Magic Johnson, the NBA Hall of Famer, recently shared his insights regarding Bronny James’s readiness for the professional basketball stage during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Johnson expressed his belief that Bronny should consider spending a season in the G League to fully develop his skills before stepping onto the court with the Los Angeles Lakers, TMZ reports. This recommendation comes as anticipation builds for the possibility of the James father-son duo playing together in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Johnson acknowledged Bronny’s impressive basketball IQ but noted that his statistics don’t reflect the mental prowess he possesses. “He needs playing time,” Johnson emphasized, suggesting that honing his skills in competitive game situations would be beneficial. Drawing from his experience as the Lakers’ former President of Basketball Operations, Johnson believes that gaining consistent game time is essential for Bronny’s growth. He pointed out that the young player would only serve as a limited contributor if he remained on the bench, which would not facilitate his development.
In Johnson’s view, allowing Bronny to gain experience and confidence by playing significant minutes in the G League would be the best course of action. “If I’m Bronny, I would tell my dad just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop,” Johnson said, underscoring that Bronny’s evolution as a player should take priority over immediate NBA appearances.
Preparing for the Future
The Lakers organization shares Johnson’s perspective, particularly under the guidance of head coach JJ Redick. Redick has voiced support for the G League as a valuable resource for Bronny’s development. The Lakers recently appointed a new coach focused solely on refining the skills of their young players, indicating the team’s commitment to nurturing talent. Redick sees the G League as an essential tool for helping Bronny transition into a capable NBA player ready to make a significant impact.
Despite being undersized, Bronny has demonstrated impressive quickness on the court. His defensive capabilities and solid shooting touch add depth to his skill set. Observers recognize that with dedicated coaching, he can enhance his game significantly. Playing under experienced coaches and learning alongside other talented players in the G League could fast-track his readiness for the NBA.
Although Johnson no longer holds an official role with the Lakers, his close ties with the franchise provide weight to his opinions. When Kimmel asked about the possibility of LeBron pushing for Bronny’s spot on the roster to achieve a shared milestone, Magic Johnson remained neutral but hinted that the four-time champion should prioritize what’s best for his son’s career.
The upcoming season promises excitement for the Lakers, especially with expectations surrounding Bronny’s growth. While Johnson and Redick advocate for a focused development path in the G League, fans eagerly await the day when Bronny will join LeBron on the court. As the father-son duo aims for a historic moment in basketball, the future looks bright for Bronny, provided he takes the necessary steps to elevate his game.
