By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
LeBron and Bronny James made history as the first father and son to share the court in NBA history. However, the son of one of the greatest NBA players ever struggled to follow in his father’s footsteps early in his career.
He received his fair share of criticism and has spent his rookie season split between the Los Angeles Lakers and their G League affiliate.
In an interview with The Athletic, he opened up about the criticism, emphasizing that he uses it as added motivation.
“My first thought about everything is I always try to just let it go through one ear and out the other, put my head down, and come to work and be positive every day. But sometimes, it just fuels me a little bit. I see everything that people are saying, and people think, like, I’m a f—ing robot, like I don’t have any feelings or emotions,” Bronny James said.
In nine games with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, James has been quite productive, averaging 20.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. He continues to work hard on his improvement.
“But I just take that and use it as fuel to wake up every day, get to the gym early, get my extra work in, watch my extra film every day, and get better every day. That’s what Rob wants me to do as a young guy, coming in, playing in the G League, and learning from afar while watching the Lakers play.”
After the interview, Bronny got a chance with the Lakers due to multiple injuries, including one suffered by his father, and he shined against the Milwaukee Bucks, being the team’s top scorer with a career-high 17 points.
“Gaining my confidence and comfortability over reps, you know, and getting out there and taking advantage of my opportunity when it’s given. So, just being ready at all times is the biggest thing for me,” LeBron’s son said after the game.
Even coach JJ Redick praised him.
“Not surprised by tonight. I think his confidence is growing. The next step is just becoming an elite-conditioned athlete. When he does that, with his physical tools, burst, and handle—and we think he’s going to be an above-average to really good NBA shooter—he’s going to have a chance to really make an impact,” Redick said.
After all, it seems that Bronny James is on the right path.