Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has responded to a viral video in which he expressed doubts about Bronny James’ success in the NBA.
In a message on X, Brown clarified that James “has all the tools to be successful” and that he “looks forward to his development” as a player.
The video doesn’t even indicate that Brown was talking about James and his abilities as an NBA player, but the moment generated so much attention online that the reigning NBA Finals MVP felt compelled to talk about it.
There are a lot of questions about what James’ short- and long-term prospects are at this point. He had a disappointing season at USC, though it was incredible that he played at all after suffering a cardiac arrest during a practice in July 2023.
The NBA’s Fitness to Play Committee had to approve James before he could participate in the Draft Combine in May.
B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman predicted James would be a 3-and-D two-guard in the NBA, calling him a “secondary ball-handler and spot-up shooter” on offense. He also praised his defensive aptitude:
“James’ combination of foot speed, strength, IQ and focus has made him an excellent defender in high school and college. He’s tough to pull away from alone and does a good job of not getting taken out of a play by a screen. Off the ball, he’s alert and actively looks for passes to make a play on the ball. NBA teams should eventually be able to let him guard both backcourt positions with his speed and toughness.”
Concerns about James’ shooting have not been alleviated in Summer League play. He is shooting 21.1 percent from the field on 9.5 attempts per game and is 0-for-11 from three-point range in two games in Las Vegas.
James has said he’s open to whatever role the Lakers offer him during the 2024-25 season, whether that’s with the big club or in the G League.
“I’m just looking forward to the basketball games that I’m going to play at, regardless of what level I’m playing at,” he told reporters after the Lakers’ 99-80 loss to the Houston Rockets on July 12.
James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft.
As long as expectations are kept within reasonable limits, especially early in his career, James can get the proper development he needs to improve his skills and become a reliable player in the NBA for years to come.