Before examining what Bronny James means to the Los Angeles Lakers, be sure to check out BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from NBA odds to future draft markets and everything in between.
After plenty of anticipation, the 2024 NBA Draft is finally over. The Los Angeles Lakers left Brooklyn with two new prospects in their ranks, first selecting Tennessee sharpshooter Dalton Knecht at No. 17 before using the 55th-overall selection on USC’s Bronny James, much like his father always wanted.
Bronny’s arrival in Los Angeles has sparked extensive debates regarding his basketball future and its implications for the Lakers. Is this 19-year-old guard a genuine NBA prospect, or is he simply benefiting from LeBron James’ clout and influence to secure such an opportunity?
We should explore the implications of the Lakers selecting Bronny James on the franchise, considering both the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season and the future.
Brony James College Recap
Prior to his draft, Bronny James sparked debates among NBA experts on whether he should be considered for this year’s draft. Many questioned his worthiness based on his underwhelming college performance at USC, leading people to speculate if he would even be considered if he didn’t have the famous last name, James.
Bronny’s offensive performance with the Trojans was lacking. Throughout his tenure of 25 games, the Los Angeles native only managed to average 4.8 points with shooting percentages of .366/.267/.676 in 19.3 minutes per game. He reached double-digit scoring in just three instances and even failed to score in four games.
James’ NBA dreams were on the brink of extinction, as experts believed his inability to make jump shots would be his downfall.
Will Bronny James’ offensive struggles follow him from college to the NBA?
However, Bronny’s performance in college had some positive aspects. In addition to contributing 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while only committing 1.1 turnovers, he was recognized for his commendable defensive skills. He maintained an average of 0.8 steals per game, which translates to 2.3 steals per 100 possessions.
At a height of just 6-foot-2, James needs to improve his shooting skills in order to achieve success in the NBA. If he fails to do so, his potential in the league may be limited to being a defensive guard who only plays in less challenging matchups as a bench player. Luckily, the Lakers’ newly appointed head coach, J.J. Redick, has proven to be one of the league’s top shooters in recent times. Only time will tell if Redick can effectively nurture the talents of the team’s latest promising prospect.
Get 50% up to $1,000 on your NBA picks today at BetOnline
Lakers: Bronny James 2024-25 NBA Outlook
After learning about his team, there is speculation about whether Bronny James will have a significant role in the 2024-25 NBA season. However, it is unlikely that he will have a prominent position in the upcoming season.
Once more, James’ solitary season in college failed to meet expectations. It had reached a stage where numerous individuals suggested he should withdraw from the NBA Draft and consider spending another year or two in the NCAA to enhance his skills. It is difficult to envision him overcoming all the criticism and concerns to earn significant playing time in Los Angeles’ lineup.
Let’s also not forget that Redick is a first-year head coach who’s tasked with bringing an NBA Championship back to the franchise. He’s likely going to role with more trusted and proven players over a rookie with plenty of room to grow.
Will Bronny James play significant minutes for the Lakers as a rookie?
If anything, it is likely that James will spend a significant portion of the season alternating between being the 15th player for the Los Angeles team and playing for the G League’s South Bay Lakers. This arrangement strikes a balance by allowing him to experience the NBA lifestyle while also guaranteeing him playing opportunities.
It is not to say that he will not participate in any games with the main team. It is probable that the Lakers will allow Bronny to play for a brief moment during a significant lead, and they will surely attempt to have him play alongside LeBron. The opportunity for publicity, even if it’s just a photo or a father-son assist, is simply too amazing to ignore.
You can also argue that drafting Bronny was necessary for keeping LeBron in town. The four-time NBA MVP is a free agent this summer, so adding his son gives him an incentive to stay around for the foreseeable future.
To put it differently, it is unlikely that Bronny James will secure a definite position before the 2025-26 season at the earliest. He still has much to demonstrate in order to establish his place in the NBA and is likely to face numerous challenges along the way. Although his prospects are not as bleak as some fans suggest, it is evident that he will face an uphill battle in his future.
Regarding the future title prospects of the franchise, the Lakers presently possess the ninth-highest odds (+2500) to win the 2025 NBA Championship according to BetOnline.
NBA Best Bets and Picks Today
Looking to get in on some NBA betting action in the future? Check out our NBA Picks page for consensus picks once the 2024-25 season begins.
You can also check out:
- NBA betting odds
- NBA news, futures betting, and best bets predictions
- How to bet on the NBA
