Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in June, Bronny James has been the topic of various NBA-related conversations.
Despite signing a four-year deal with Los Angeles, the rookie guard could start the 2024-25 season in the NBA G league. However, an NBA insider made a bold claim about James' status for the Lakers' season opener.
“He is 100% playing in the opening game, so they (LeBron and Bronny) can have a moment together, right,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe said during the Bill Simmons podcast. “That is going to happen, so they can pass to each other or whatever it ends up being.”
After suffering cardiac arrest during the summer of 2023, James worked his way back into basketball shape and made his collegiate debut for the USC Trojans in early-December. Statistically speaking, James had an underwhelming freshman season in the now-disbanded Pac-12. He averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting in 25 games.
However, those dreadful numbers didn’t prevent James from entering his name into the 2024 NBA draft. In June, the Lakers selected him with the No. 55 overall pick, allowing him to team up with his father, LeBron, in one of the largest markets in the NBA. James didn’t wow California and Las Vegas spectators during summer league, but he showcased his sound shooting mechanics, reliable off-ball instincts, and competitive defensive nature.
If Lowe’s guarantee is spot on, though, there will be pressure on James to perform right out of the gate. If he doesn’t contribute in Game 1, his harshest critics will unfairly rule out the possibility of James succeeding in the NBA. Still, it would be a fantastic moment for the first father-son duo in NBA history.
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