The NBA season is less than a month away, and things are already heating up. The Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks are at the forefront of things at the moment after their wild trade that occurred on Friday night.
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That is just a little taste of what is to come in this highly anticipated 2024-25 season. This season could be like no other, especially for Lakers superstar forward LeBron James. James will enter his 22nd season in the league, and he is still at the top of his game.
Not only is that the case, but he could play alongside his oldest son, Bronny James.
Bronny will enter his rookie NBA season with the Lakers. Although that may be the case, his playing time will be limited. There is very little room for Bronny to display his skill right off the bat, which means he will start his NBA career in the G League.
It’s unclear how long he will be there developing his skill, but if you ask NBA and Laker legend Magic Johnson, he believes Bronny isn’t ready for the NBA yet. Johnson appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and gave his take on the 19-year-old.
“If I’m Bronny, I would tell my dad just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop,” said Johnson. “He needs playing time. He doesn’t need to be sitting on the Lakers bench and not playing. That’s not a knock against him. He’s just not ready. He needs to develop more, and then he will be ready because he has some great talent and skills. But he needs to develop those skills at a much better clip if he wants to play 15, 20 minutes a night in the NBA or more.”
Bronny college numbers didn’t scream NBA talent. In one year at USC, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest while shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from the three-point range in 25 games.
After Bronny got drafted, Johnson was among the first to congratulate him.
“Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!”
Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in… pic.twitter.com/jGRbGiD0n6
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 27, 2024
Johnson knows a thing or two about being successful in the purple and gold. If he thinks Bronny needs more time, he most likely does. Everyone will want that James family connection on the court, but that may have to wait if Bronny indeed plays in the G League for the entire season.
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