Bronny James Lakers fit: 4 reasons why LeBron father-son duo can succeed in Los Angeles
Bronny James Lakers fit: 4 reasons why LeBron father-son duo can succeed in Los Angeles
The most controversial player in the 2024 NBA Draft has found a new home: Bronny James is joining the Lakers, who selected the guard with the 55th pick.
Much will be made about Bronny's chances at success or failure after a year at USC in which he averaged only 4.8 points per game. He does have talent, though, and was a legitimate draft prospect.
Bronny won't be a star in the NBA. His path to success depends upon developing into a good role player. While other prospects compare themselves to their father or other superstars in the league, Bronny has compared himself to Jrue Holiday, Davion Mitchell and Derrick White.
Role players need the right fit to find success. Bronny's agent Rich Paul knows this — Paul allegedly threatened to send Bronny to Australia if certain teams picked him. Bronny did eventually find a great landing spot with the Lakers.
Here's why this is an ideal fit for him.
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Bronny James fit with the Lakers
Bronny James can (theoretically) add much-needed shooting to the Lakers
LeBron has complained about the Lakers' lack of shooting for years. They ranked 28th in 3-point attempts last season.
That should change with incoming coach JJ Redick, who has hinted on his podcast that he wants them to shoot more 3s. Dalton Knecht should help in that regard, as should Bronny.
Bronny didn't shoot the ball that well at USC, connecting on only 26.7 percent of his attempts. His shot looked much better in combine drills, and he was a decent shooter in high school. His form looks sound. If he does fulfill his potential, then he should be a capable catch-and-shoot player. He has the endorsement of his father.
"[Bronny] could play for us right now," LeBron was overheard saying last January. "Easy. EASY."
If Bronny is never able to develop that 3-point shot, then he's probably not sticking in the NBA. Teams are simply going to sag way off him to help on other players, which will render him unplayable.
The reason for confidence is the Lakers have a good player development staff, and they now have one of the best shooters in the game in Redick who can give some great pointers.
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The Lakers offer Bronny the simplified role that he needs
Bronny isn't going to be a bucket-getter who creates shots for himself. He doesn't have the ability to create separation off the dribble by himself yet. He is going to be more of a secondary guy who can make the right read when he can attack a scrambling defense.
The Lakers are a great situation to make that happen. They already have natural advantage creators in LeBron and Anthony Davis. Bronny's job is going to be easy — he's going to catch the ball when those guys draw the attention of the defense, then shoot open 3s or attack closeouts.
When Bronny does put the ball on the floor, he is a decent finisher and has good passing vision. He's an unselfish player who is going to make the right play whenever he gets the ball.
Bronny is also a good cutter who should function well in Redick's new offense that will probably feature more split cuts and passing through the Lakers' big men. He is going to be a natural fit with the new coach.
Bronny can be a tough on-ball stopper
Bronny is going to make his mark on the defensive side of the ball. He has decent tools there, possessing a 6-7.25 wingspan to go along with his 6-1.5-inch height without shoes.
Along with those tools, Bronny has great defensive technique. He's adept at maneuvering around screens, he has a strong 210-pound frame just like his dad and he gives excellent effort. He knows where he's supposed to be and can anticipate where the ball is going, causing him to get a lot of deflections and steals. He has great hands that should translate immediately to the pro game as well.
The Lakers were a good defense last season behind Davis and LeBron, but D'Angelo Russell's perimeter defense was a weakness in the playoffs. Austin Reaves has been OK, but he's not a stopper.
Bronny could be a situational guy to throw in when teams begin picking on the Lakers' other guards.
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Bronny can take advantage of his transition skills with the Lakers
One of Bronny's best skills is as a passer in the open floor. He sees the court well in those scenarios, and his plus athleticism is in full effect when he has a full head of steam. He's also a great outlet passer who can boost a team's transition attack.
The Lakers are already a great transition team. They ranked fourth in transition frequency and third in points added in transition last season, per Cleaning the Glass. There are going to be some nice highlights of LeBron and Bronny setting each other up on fast breaks next season.
Many people are not taking Bronny's potential seriously, but he actually has a number of things working for him (aside from the obvious, that his dad will be there to support him). This is as good a chance as he has to succeed in the NBA.