LAS VEGAS (AP) — Bronny James was a spectator on Saturday after the Los Angeles Lakers determined that they have seen all they need out of the NBA’s most talked-about rookie.
He finished Summer League on an upward trajectory after a dismal start, scoring 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting over his final two games. That included making 3 of 8 baskets from 3-point range after going 0 for 15 in his first four games.
“He had two pretty good games last two,” Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson said. “I think it’s just going to help him going into the summer so we can work on different things with him. Just that confidence and knowing he can play at this level. It’s still going to take a lot of time and a lot of reps.”
Some fans were disappointed that the Lakers kept James on the bench, briefly breaking out a chant of “We want Bronny” in the first quarter of Saturday’s 107-81 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The younger James quieted at least some of that talk with his performances Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks and the following night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“In general, he doesn’t let any of that stuff get to him,” Johnson said. “He just wants to play basketball and be on a team. He’s a good kid. He’s listening. He’s trying to learn.”
There is still plenty to learn.
At 6-foot-2, James has the build of a point guard, but he doesn’t bring the ball up the court because of concerns about his ballhandling. He instead has played shooting guard, which could be a problem when going against taller players at that position.
“I think right now he’s more of a (shooting guard), but I think he could be a combo-ish,” Johnson said. “He picks up stuff really well. We throw stuff at him — plays, coverages, defensively. He kind of picks it up really quick, so I think he could potentially be (a point guard). Maybe we’ll work on that in the summer, but I think right now being that secondary playmaker is kind of where he’s at right now.”
