Lakers’ Bronny James Feeling Less Pressure In Year 2 In NBA: ‘Definitely Some More Excitement Than Nervousness’

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, is feeling less pressure in his second NBA season. 

Last Summer League, every shot and pass Bronny took was dissected. That’s probably not going to be the case this summer since the youngster played well in the G League last season. 

“Yeah, it’s definitely some more excitement than nervousness for sure,” Bronny told Dan Woike of The Athletic. “I’m just ready to go out there and play and be better than I was the last time I was playing.”

Bronny split time between the Lakers and South Bay Lakers last season. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.3 blocks in the G League while shooting 38.0% from beyond the arc. 

Bronny’s best game in the NBA was against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20. He had 17 points and five assists in 29 minutes while shooting 70.0% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc. 

“It’s definitely made me think about being more aggressive on that end of the floor. But I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor,” Bronny said. “’Cause there’s gonna be guys that can go out and score 15, 20 a game.

“I’m most likely not gonna be that guy right now, but to get myself on the floor, I have to be a defensive menace. And that’s my main focus – getting in condition this year. It’s been shown that I know how to score the ball a little bit. So understand, stand true to that, but also focus in on the defensive end.”

Bronny and the Lakers take on Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday to open the Las Vegas Summer League. 

Flagg will get all the hype, so Bronny won’t be under immense pressure to play well.