Bronny James, the Los Angeles Lakers’ second-round pick, made his professional debut on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings during the California Classic, a precursor to the Las Vegas Summer League. However, he will miss Sunday’s game against the Golden State Warriors due to swelling in his left knee. The Lakers are taking a cautious approach, with James expected to return for the final California Classic game on Wednesday against the Miami Heat, according to Lakers summer league coach Dane Johnson.
“I said at the beginning it’s just day to day,” Johnson stated. “We are being precautionary about it. The plan is for him to play the last game, hopefully, but we are going to take it precautionary for right now and take it step by step.”
In his debut, James, the eldest son of Lakers star LeBron James, showed glimpses of his potential, particularly on the defensive end. However, his offensive game remains a work in progress, as he shot 2-of-9 from the field and struggled to score outside the paint. His development path in the NBA likely involves becoming a reliable 3-and-D player, focusing on improving his distance shooting.
The Summer League serves as a crucial platform for young players to showcase their fit within a team’s system and chemistry with other prospects. The Lakers are prioritizing long-term development over immediate performance, especially with their young players. Hence, they are being cautious with James’s knee issue.
Given his second-round pick status, Bronny James is anticipated to spend a significant portion of the season with the G-League’s South Bay Lakers, where the Lakers have a strong track record of developing talent. This time will be beneficial for his growth, and while fans are eager to see him play, the Lakers are committed to ensuring he is only placed in situations where he can succeed.
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