Featured Image Credit: Katharine Lotze / Staff via Getty
Topics: Basketball, LA Lakers, Lebron James, NBA
James Taylor
Topics: Basketball, LA Lakers, Lebron James, NBA
Statistics for Bronny James' NBA pre-season form have emerged after the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers continued their disappointing start to pre-season with a 111-103 defeat, following a 103-81 loss on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns. Concerns are growing among fans as the team prepares for the NBA season.
And one player that supporters will be concerned about is the son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny. He played 23 minutes in the latest defeat and while he showed some flashes of quality, he was generally disappointing.
James scored five points, making two baskets from six attempts, including one three pointer from three attempts. He was also responsible for five turnovers and committed four fouls during his brief appearance.
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Despite those struggles, there were still some encouraging signs for the 21-year-old.
He registered three assists and demonstrated his defensive abilities with one steal and one block.
Having played 24 minutes in the opening pre-season game against the Suns, he is being given the chance to prove his worth in the summer league.
This season is important for James, as he enters the second year of his NBA career. He had a promising rookie season, featuring in 27 games, but he only started once for the Lakers.
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Many basketball fans consider his defensive ability to be the strongest part of his game.
Standing at six foot three and with a wing span that reaches six foot seven and a half, he has the physical profile to become an effective guard.
James has also shown impressive defensive instincts, and improving that part of his game remains a key focus.
Last month, he said: “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 because there’s going to be guys that can score 15, 20 a game.
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“I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now. To get myself on the floor, I’ve got to be a defensive menace.
"That’s my main focus, getting conditioned this year.
"It’s been shown that I know how to score the ball a little bit, I’m staying true to that, but also focusing on the defensive end.”
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Although most commentators do not believe the Lakers are capable of reaching the NBA finals, it is still a key season for James.
Last season, he made history alongside LeBron, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
Now, fans will be keen to see what Bronny can do when stepping out of his father's shadow.