Bronny James’ Preseason Struggles Raise Questions Despite Historic Floor Sharing with LeBron
Rocky Start for Bronny
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on their preseason performance, which included a thrilling comeback victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. While the team’s stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, look ready for the season, another player on the roster has been receiving significant attention—LeBron’s son, Bronny James.
Despite sharing the floor with his father in a historic moment earlier in the preseason, Bronny’s on-court performance has raised eyebrows. His statistics so far have drawn criticism, particularly his league-worst plus/minus rating among all players in preseason games, according to Steph Noh of The Sporting News.
“Through three preseason games, Bronny James has the worst plus/minus of all 494 players to log exhibition minutes thus far,” Noh reported. While this stat might seem alarming, the broader context paints a more nuanced picture.
Understanding the Numbers
The plus/minus stat, which measures a player’s impact on the score while they are on the court, can be misleading if not considered in context. Bronny has primarily played with the Lakers’ third-string lineup, a factor that likely influenced his poor performance in this metric. Playing alongside less experienced teammates can put a player at a disadvantage, especially when they’re still finding their footing in the league.
Though the numbers may not be in Bronny’s favor, it’s important to note that he’s still developing. His limited minutes on the floor show that the Lakers are gradually integrating him into the rotation, recognizing that he is a long-term project. His journey will not be without its struggles, but development behind the scenes could prove key to his future success.
A Narrative to Overcome
Unfortunately, Bronny’s early struggles have fueled a narrative that he may not have earned his spot on the Lakers’ roster. With his famous father as a teammate, speculation and criticism are inevitable. However, Bronny has shown flashes of potential, and it’s clear the Lakers’ coaching staff views him as a work in progress who could contribute more significantly over time.
While some will continue to focus on his current stats, it’s essential to remember that many young players take years to reach their potential in the NBA. Bronny’s preseason woes may be concerning to some, but they do not tell the full story of his future prospects with the Lakers.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Bronny develops and whether he can silence the doubters. His journey, while challenging, is one filled with opportunity, especially under the guidance of his father, LeBron, and the experienced Lakers roster.