“You’ve just got to let the kid grow!” –  Lakers star Austin Reaves offers support and guidance to Bronny James

Bronny James is expected to continue his development with the South Bay Lakers in the G-League this season.

“You’ve just got to let the kid grow!” –  Lakers star Austin Reaves offers support and guidance to Bronny James

Bronny James and Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves recently on the “Jim and Base Show” expressed his excitement to play alongside Bronny James. Reaves also offered words of encouragement, acknowledging the challenges Bronny faces as the son of Lakers legend LeBron James. He emphasized the importance of letting Bronny develop his own identity and career, rather than comparing him to his father’s legacy.

Bronny James has faced significant scrutiny, particularly in the Summer League where he struggled with his shooting. However, he has shown resilience and potential, impressing with his defensive abilities. Austin Reaves, who took an unconventional path to NBA success, is a perfect example for Bronny to follow. Despite going undrafted, Reaves worked hard and earned a spot with the Lakers, eventually becoming a key contributor.

I'm excited to play alongside him. He's always going to get a bad rap for multiple reasons. He's Bron's son, so people are going to expect high-level things from him. You've just got to let the kid grow. Let him be his own self.
Austin Reaves on the Jim And Base Show
YouTube video

His last season’s performance underscores the value of perseverance and growth, making him an ideal mentor for Bronny. By supporting Bronny and emphasizing personal development over external expectations, Reaves exemplifies the supportive environment the Lakers aim to provide for their young talent.

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Reaves’ guidance and encouragement could be invaluable for Bronny as he navigates the early stages of his career. By focusing on his own growth and development, Bronny can build a successful career and create his own legacy, rather than simply living up to his father’s expectations.

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Bronny James ends NBA Summer League on high note with back-to-back double-digit games

Bronny James had concluded his NBA summer league campaign with two impressive games, and even received a unique gift, where he recorded double-digit points in consecutive wins over the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked a significant improvement from his first four games, where he averaged only 4.3 points per game.

In his final two games, Bronny showed notable progress, and scored 12 points against the Hawks and 13 points against the Cavaliers, setting new career highs. Lakers summer league coach Dane Johnson praised Bronny’s performance, noting that it will help build his confidence and provide a foundation for further development.

He had two pretty good games last two. I think it’s just going to help him going into the summer so we can work on different things with him. Just that confidence and knowing he can play at this level. It’s still going to take a lot of time and a lot of reps.
Lakers summer league coach Dane Johnson told reporters

Despite not playing in the Lakers’ final summer league game, Bronny ended his debut on a positive note, silencing some of the criticism he faced after struggling in his first four games. He is expected to continue his development with the South Bay Lakers in the G-League this season.

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