Bronny James says postseason minutes showed he belongs at NBA level
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James believes his second NBA season confirmed he can perform on a bigger stage after earning unexpected playoff minutes this month.
Speaking to reporters after the Lakers’ first-round elimination, the 21-year-old reserve said his brief role against the Houston Rockets accomplished a personal goal.
“I proved that I can play at a higher level,” James said, noting the progress from his rookie year. “That’s what I wanted to show over the past couple of years, and I was able to do that this year more than I was last year.”
Opportunity created by injuries
Head coach JJ Redick turned to James after back-court injuries sidelined Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. James logged limited minutes but scored his first playoff points in Game 3 and appeared again in Game 4 on April 26 at Toyota Center in Houston.
Another father-son moment
Game 3 also featured an alley-oop from LeBron James to his son during a Lakers run. “Playoff experience in general is amazing for me,” the younger James said. “I wasn’t able to play in March in college, so this is a step ahead of that, and to contribute while doing it is what I’ve always wanted.”
Key offseason ahead
James enters his third season with a team option looming for Year 4. The Lakers want growth in his ball-handling and three-point shooting before expanding his role next season. His rookie-scale contract, worth $2.2 million, gives the club a low-cost development opportunity under the current CBA.
Asked about LeBron James’ pending unrestricted free agency, Bronny said he has “no clue” what his father will decide regarding staying in Los Angeles, moving elsewhere or retiring.
Source: LakersNation.com
