Los Angeles Laker’s shooting guard Bronny James has been the center of the debate from the moment he was drafted in June.
The 20-year-old said he is trying to filter it all out, but he sees it all.
“My first thought of everything is that I always try to just let it go through one ear and out of the other, put my head down and get to work and be positive every day. But sometimes it burns me a little. I see everything people say and people think, like I’m an F — ing-robot, as if I have no feelings or feelings,” James said through the Athletic.
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LeBron James, #23 and Bronny James, #9 of Los Angeles Lakers, to defense in the second quarter against Minnesota Timberwolves in Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Harry How/Getty Images)
“But I just take it and use it as a fuel for me to go out, wake up every day and get to the gym early, get my extra work in, watch my extra movie every day, get better every day. That’s what (Lakers’ General Manager Rob Pelinka) wants me to do as a young guy, get in, play in G League and learn from far on Bench Watching the Lakers Play.”
James has flowed between NBA and G-League this season. In 22 NBA matches, James has an average of only 2.3 points per Match, but has received more playing time recently due to Lakers’ injuries.
Lakers were briefly short in their 118-89 loss to Milwaukee Bucks due to a litany of injuries. His father, LeBron James (groin), Luka Doncic (right ankle), Austin Reaves (Right Ankle), Rui Hachimura (Patella), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle) and shredded Vanderbilt (right groin) were all out.
James took advantage of the opportunity with so many of Lakers’ stars. The 20-year-old scored 17 points and it was the first time he reached double in his young NBA career.
Lakers’ Bronny James puts a career high in scoring in impressive view
Los Angeles Lakers Vagt Dalton Knecht, #4, Fives Guard Bronny James, #9, after scoring against Milwaukee Bucks in the second half in Crypto.com Arena. (Jonathan Hui-Preferred Pictures)
While James has produced more from late, however, he went scoreless in a game on January 29, which received criticism from Espn’s Stephen A. Smith.
“I ask for LeBron James as a father: Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his father,” Smith said at ESPN’s “First Take.”
Smith’s comments drew Ire of LeBron who confronted Smith face to face about his comments in a Lakers’ home game.
After James’ Career High on Thursday, he talked about taking advantage of his opportunity.
Los Angeles Lakers Vagt Bronny James, #9, against Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on October 28, 2024. (Mark J. Revilas-prescribed images)
“Getting my confidence and getting my comfort over reps, you know and get out there and take advantage of my opportunity, if given, so just being ready at all times is the biggest thing for me,” James said.
Maybe James Smith’s comments used as fuel for his great performance.
The USC product seems to continue to build on its strong performance when Lakers plays Chicago Bulls at. 22.30 a Saturday.
Associated Press contributed to this post.
