Bronny James made waves at this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, and it wasn’t just because of his improved play.
Speculation around a potential physical transformation had been swirling, and now the 20-year-old has confirmed it.
“Yeah, for sure,” Bronny told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell when asked if he had added significant muscle ahead of his second season. “Definitely using my body more (than in high school, at USC and) when I was first drafted. I wasn’t using my body as well, but the physicality in the NBA is at a way higher level, so I had to get my body right.”
Bronny looked noticeably stronger and more confident across five Summer League games. He averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 24.3 minutes per game, while shooting an efficient 48 percent from the field, 35 percent from three and 79 percent from the line.
Lakers Summer League head coach Lindsey Harding praised the leap Bronny made from Year 1 to Year 2.
“He’s been great,” Harding said. “Having his time in the G League, getting more and more confidence, and then coming here and taking more minutes and responsibility on his shoulders. Handling the ball much more than he has in the past and making those decisions and reads for us, he’s taken that role on as a leader, that was also part of his growth. And then on the defensive end, where he had those moments where he can really pressure (the ball), pick up full court, be disruptive. That’s something where he can really have an immediate impact for our team this season.”
James credited his time in the G League for accelerating his development.
“I definitely think those G League reps were amazing for me to be comfortable in my game, so that’s helped for me to be out there for an extended period of time,” Bronny said. “My confidence has grown from last year, throughout the G League season and some NBA games. It’s been a slow progression, but it’s working out so far.”
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