Thus far, Bronny James has had a tough time adjusting to the NBA in his first preseason action.
James, the Los Angeles Lakers’ second-round draft pick out of USC, went 1-for-5 from the field and 0-for-3 from three-point range against the Golden State Warriors Tuesday, scoring two points in nine minutes. In four exhibition games, LeBron James’ oldest son has scored four points in 44 minutes, shooting a woeful 2-for-16 from the field. James also has only one assist to five turnovers.
It’s been a struggle for Bronny, who admitted following last night’s game that his biggest focus right now is ‘just getting comfortable.”
“Going out there and getting reps, I feel like it’s the most important thing, to grow my confidence and be more comfortable when I’m out there playing,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I feel good. The numbers could be better. I just got to get my confidence up.”
James also admitted that he’s still looking to translate some of the confidence he has on the practice court to game action.
“It’s a totally different game, especially out in arenas like this, the atmosphere and stuff like that,” James said. “I’m trying to get myself comfortable.”
Once the regular season starts next week, the Lakers are unlikely to count on the younger James in any high-leverage situations, at least at the beginning of his career. Still, his progress will be closely monitored by fans, due to his famous name and draft pick status.
The Lakers will play two more preseason contests before opening the 2024-25 regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22.
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