Bronny James has been carrying a target on his back, no matter where he goes, whether it’s dealing with a shooting slump during his USC days or his NBA days at the Summer League, all thanks to his family name. However, one should keep in mind that the young prospect did not get to experience college basketball enough due to a cardiac arrest that struck him in July last year. It kept him off the court for about three months, after which he was cleared to play basketball. This setback undoubtedly affected his remaining experience with the USC Trojans and might continue to influence his career. Despite this, the Lakers guard can go far, thanks to his genes. That’s what ex-NBA star Austin Rivers believes, contrary to the doubts of the NBA community.

While speaking about Bronny’s performance at the Summer League on the ‘Ringer NBA’ podcast, Rivers acknowledged the ups and downs the 19-year-old has faced but predicted a bright future for him. “He averaged four points last year at the USC. He wasn’t a pro, so he ain’t a pro right now. Will he be? Yes! I do believe he will; I just do…” Austin confidently asserted about Bronny James’ future. This wasn’t just an empty remark; he further elaborated on the factors and rigorous training that will help Bronny reach the potential that Rivers envision for him.

“He has the genetics, he’s a freak athlete. Him being in the gym every single goddamn day practicing. You know, the guys who don’t play have to get there early. They have to play three on three, two on two, one on one shooting this but they work you like a dog. That f**ker will end being a pro and a solid one, I promise!!” Rivers emphasized the intense training regime that will shape Bronny into a professional player.

It is quite fascinating how Austin has put his trust in Bronny despite the fact that the 19-year-old Lakers rookie’s performance at the Summer League is accumulating criticism from the NBA community.

Bronny James’ Summer League performance’s impact so far

During the initial parts of his Summer League stint, Bronny seemed a bit underconfident in San Francisco as he could only shoot 3-of-12 from the field with 0% three-point percentage. The reason behind such a slump was that he missed all of his four attempts beyond the arc. Over the two games he played, the young prospect could only average 3.5 points while playing for about 25.7 minutes per game.

However, as the league games progressed and Bronny moved to Las Vegas, his confidence grew slightly as he managed to score 3 of his 19 shooting attempts from the three-point line. His field goal percentage also increased by 10%, from 25% to 35%. In the summer finale against the Cavaliers, Bronny’s 3-pointer late into the fourth quarter showcased his clutch genes.

No doubt about it, the LA Lakers rookie is slowly improving with all the exposure on the court. That might be why Austin Rivers knows that James Jr. is destined for a successful career in the NBA. What are your thoughts about young James? Let us know in the comments.