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Can Bronny James live up to the hype and match his dad's legendary Summer League debut?

For months, the NBA crowd has wanted to see Bronny in action. His limited participation in college basketball has elevated the excitement around his NBA debut. Now, the time is finally here. The 19-year-old son of LeBron James will soon travel to California and Las Vegas to participate in the Summer League. It will be his first taste of professional basketball. Ardent watchers will understand just what the teenager is about, keeping aside his Draft Combine showcase, from his display at the upcoming competition.

There is a certain caliber Bronny James is expected to reach and maintain, regardless of whether basketball runs in his family’s veins, or not. Even though he wasn’t a lottery pick, he is the son of one of the all-time greats. Speaking of the senior James, before an electric NBA debut, he graced his talents in the Summer League too. His first opponent was the Orlando Magic. How did he perform?

LeBron James was only a year younger than what Bronny is today.

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As an 18-year-old boy, the buzz around him far exceeded that of any prospect before Victor Wembanyama. The arena was packed awaiting the debut of ‘The Chosen One’. His first official basket came in the form of an acrobatic layup. He added another 12 points for the night.

LeBron James finished the game with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. It was everything the fans wanted. He displayed exquisite passing and explosive athleticism to go with his innate awareness and 5-11 shooting from the field all in just 20 minutes. However, there was an element of struggle.

via Imago

The legend-in-the-making did find it difficult to adjust, committing 3 turnovers initially. One of them made him the victim of a notorious poster from Britton Johnson, who only played 26 games in his career eventually.

James would continue to participate in the Summer League, putting in superior performances. His most memorable came against the Sacramento Kings where he scored 25 points. Ironically, they will be the first opponents Bronny James faces!

What’s your perspective on:

Can Bronny James live up to the hype and match his dad's legendary Summer League debut?

Have an interesting take?

LeBron James’ son has a long summer league schedule

Without surprise, the Purple and Gold got all of their rookies and inexperienced players for the Summer League. The eyes though are all on a 19-year-old Bronny James. The teenager will likely make his debut tonight against the Kings in the California Classic held at the Chase Center. The Lakers will play on back-to-back nights, playing the hosts, Golden State Warriors tomorrow.

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Their last game will be against the Miami Heat on July 10 before traveling to Las Vegas for the NBA 2K25 Summer League. The tournament will be held from July 12-22. Bronny James will be hoping to make a mark.

Update: LeBron James’ son struggled offensively as he made only two out of his nine shots, missing all his attempts from deep too. He made a 4-point contribution to the scoreline and only managed two assists and rebounds alongside Dalton Knecht’s 12-point haul and 3-12 shooting display.

This will undoubtedly be a tough run for the Lakers’ youngsters. They ended up losing the game 108-94 against the Sac Kings, however, reports claim Bronny could be shipped regardless to the G League during the regular season. But do you think the Lakers will reconsider his case if he manages to prevail in the Summer League? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what the veteran sports brand maker Leonard Armato had to say about the Shaq-Kobe beef, check out this exclusive video by EssentiallySports.