Rob Pelinka envisions role for Bronny James on Lakers

Bronny James will write his own NBA story, and he certainly hopes to make the fact that his father is one of the NBA's greatest players in history just part of his story. Fortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to have a vision of how the early stages of the former USC Trojan guard's professional career could impact the franchise.

After selecting Bronny, son of LeBron James, with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers saw was no shortage of excitement and, as always, a fair share of critics. But general manager Rob Pelinka was an open book while addressing the 19-year-old guard. He specifically detailed Bronny's strengths.

Pelinka first praised the young guard's high character and work ethic, following that up by highlighting Bronny's impressive defensive abilities and his growth as a shooter. As ESPN's Dave McMenamin detailed, Pelinka believes the second-round pick can become an "elite shotmaker" and a "3-and-D player."

"I think he's going to be a point-of-attack defender that can really be disruptive with the way he guards other teams' point guards," Pelinka said. "I think he can guard multiple positions. And we've really seen growth in shooting. ... We really think he can turn into being an elite shotmaker. Just a 3-and-D player, for sure."

Regardless of anyone's personal feelings about Bronny's current NBA outlook, it's hard to disagree with Pelinka's assessment. As ESPN's Jonathan Givony previously detailed, the younger James shot 19-of-25 in the three-point shooting drill at the NBA combine, the second-best mark out of any player.

The upside is there for the new Lakers guard, and there'll be no shortage of supporters in his corner, along with players and coaches ready to help him continue to grow his game. And for good measure, it doesn't hurt having JJ Redick, one of the NBA's former premier three-point shooters, as Bronny's NBA coach.