Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James has struggled to get his footing since being drafted over the summer, and retired NBA star Gilbert Arenas recently shared some thoughts on his game.
Arenas explained that James isn’t aggressive, using the word “passive” to describe his approach. Later, he said that James tends to pass when he should shoot the ball and tends to shoot it when he should pass it.
“[Bronny’s] game is passive… It’s this awkward thing when he is supposed to shoot it he passes, when he is supposed to pass he shoots.”
Gilbert Arenas examines why Bronny James’ game isn’t working in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/33craZaO89
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) November 11, 2024
The good news with those perceived flaws is that they’re fixable. James can be taught to be more aggressive, and he can learn to rethink the situations in which he’s choosing to pass or shoot.
A lot of his development is going to have to come at the G League level, as that’s where most of his playing time will likely happen during his rookie season. While he has appeared in six NBA games this season, his actual opportunities have been limited, and his minutes have largely come in inconsequential situations. He’s averaging just 2.7 minutes per appearance.
James has scored four points this season, as he made a jumper against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 30 then hit a pair of free throws against the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 6.
What makes Arenas’ evaluation especially interesting is that James’ father LeBron has earned a reputation as someone who can be trusted to make the right play, whether that means passing or shooting the ball.
Some people may feel like the elder James has been too passive at times during his career, but it’s hard to argue with an approach that has resulted in four championships, the all-time scoring crown and a career average of 7.4 assists per game.
It’s a safe bet that the elder James will never stop working with his son to make him the best player he can be, so with any luck, maybe the future Hall of Famer’s approach will rub off on the 20-year-old.
For now, the Lakers are focused on their upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, which is set for Wednesday. L.A. is looking to win a third straight game and move to 7-4 on the season.
