Bronny James’ journey to the NBA and the start of his professional career have been anything but ordinary, and the Los Angeles Lakers guard is still dealing with the mental challenges of overcoming a heart scare that nearly cost him his life in July 2023. .
“Trying to overcome that is hard, but I’m trying to work on it every day.” James told the Associated Press on Saturday after adding six points, seven assists and four rebounds in the South Bay Lakers’ victory over the Osceola Magic in the G League Winter Showcase.
James, the eldest son of LeBron James, has also dealt with the pressure of living up to his father’s name, as well as a lot of outside noise about whether or not he deserves his spot in the league after the Lakers drafted him number 55. choose in 2024 NBA Draft.
“I’ve become resilient over these last few years fighting injuries, mental illness and things like that,” Bronny said. “Just, you know, come in and work every day and stay the course.”
The first time Bronny stepped on an NBA court, it was a historic moment. He appeared with his father on opening night against the Minnesota Timberwolves and The two became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.. Aside from another special moment with his father at a homecoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bronny has been limited to cleaning duties.
Most of his playing time has been in the G League, but even that was initially complicated after reports that he would only play in home games. However, the Lakers have changed course in recent weeks and Bronny has started to impress at the lower level.
brony scored a career-high 30 points against the Valley Suns on December 12. in the first away game of his career. Most recently, he traveled to Florida for the G League Winter Showcase and had 16 points and five assists on Thursday before another solid performance on Saturday.
Through seven career G League games, Bronny is averaging 13.4 points, three rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals.
“I’m just there every day, trying to get better every day, trying to learn every day and playing my game every day,” Bronny said. “And I feel like that’s what makes me have fun and enjoy this sport that I love every day.”
