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Lakers Star Sends Encouraging Message to Bronny James During NBA Preseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Although he didn’t ask for any of it, Bronny James has been in the spotlight since he was born because of his father LeBron James’ stature.

The world first met him as a child, when James would bring him to Cleveland Cavaliers games in the early 2000s, and now he’s more famous than ever playing for the Los Angeles Lakers alongside his father.

He was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft last year, and although he didn’t get much playing time during the season, he was still criticized endlessly.

Many people questioned whether he was drafted based on merit, so poor shooting performances and defensive lapses didn’t help his case.

Now in year two of his career, he has shown drastic improvement in many areas of his game — and his teammates are taking notice.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) fives guard Bronny James (9) after scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Guard Austin Reaves spoke to reporters after a Lakers practice on Tuesday and had this to say about James, “You’ve been one of the best players on the floor almost every day. So continue to do that. He’s a good kid, you know, good head on his shoulders. He’s all about the right stuff.”

Austin Reaves said he went golfing recently with Bronny James and complimented the second-year guard: “‘You’ve been one of the better players out on the floor almost every day. So continue to do that’” pic.twitter.com/ieswQHPl1E
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 7, 2025

James struggled mightily in the Lakers’ first preseason game last week, going an abysmal 1-12 from the floor, but he’s looked much better since.

In the team’s last game, James shot 2-6, but filled up the stat sheet with 3 rebounds and assists apiece to go along with a steal and a block.

It’s unclear whether he’ll have a bigger role with the team this season, but clearly his teammates believe in him and his development.

He may not be his father, but he is steadily improving each day, which is the only thing you can ask for out a second-round pick with scattered expectations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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