Few expected Bronny James to have any meaningful NBA minutes when the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him late in the second round of the 2024 Draft. After an abysmal freshman season at USC, it would have been understandable if few fans counted on the rookie to have a visible impact on the squad.
Bronny’s first couple of games proved the narratives around him right. However, his G-League stint and an incredible night out against the Milwaukee Bucks reminded fans that Bron was far from a product of nepotism and worked for the minutes he’s gotten this season.
Now that the Purple and Gold are preparing for their first playoff series, Bronny looks back at an eventful rookie season for him.
Bronny James on his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers: ‘I got better’
Bronny was candid about his first season in the NBA when he talked to the press after starting in the Lakers’ season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Per Basketnews.com:
“I thought I got better,” Bronny reflected on his rookie year post-game. “I thought I grew as a player and a person. Yeah, it’s just more work to be done. My progression has been slow, but I’m getting better every day.”
“I feel like I have taken some steps in the right direction,” he added. “And I’m looking forward to doing that in the years to come. So yeah, I feel like I’ve been doing better.”
James Jr.’s rookie season doesn’t look particularly impressive, with the young guard only averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in the 27 games he played.
His latest outing against the Blazers also doesn’t paint him in the best light. He finished the 81-109 loss with four points on a terrible 2-of-10 field-goal clip. However, he made up for his lackluster scoring with three boards, six assists, and an incredible six steals.
Meanwhile, fellow rookie Dalton Knecht played the best out of the available players for JJ Redick. The young forward finished the final regular-season game of his rookie year with 27 points and eight boards on 9-for-21 shooting.
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