Austin Reaves On Bronny James: “He’s Always Gonna Get A Bad Rep For Multiple Reasons As LeBron’s Son”

Austin Reaves emphasizes patience and support for Bronny James.

Austin Reaves recently shared his thoughts on Bronny James during an appearance on the ‘Jim And Base Show,’ expressing both excitement and empathy for the young player’s unique situation.

“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.”

“You can’t, you know, set a gold standard to bronze standards. It’s hard to live up to anybody, any sport. So if there’s anything I can do to help him, you know, like I said earlier, I don’t know if my dad was LeBron, I’d be listening to Austin Reaves, but this is super cool and I can’t wait to get to know him.” (0:09)

Bronny James has faced considerable scrutiny, largely due to the immense legacy of his father, LeBron James. However, Reaves highlights the importance of allowing Bronny to develop his own identity and career in basketball.

Despite the immense pressure and expectations, Bronny has shown resilience and potential. After a challenging start in the Summer League, where he struggled with his shooting, going 0-15 from three-point range and 6-26 overall, he has begun to find his rhythm in recent games.

Bronny’s defensive abilities have been particularly impressive, showcasing his potential even as he continues to grow into his role. Reaves, who himself took an unconventional path to NBA success, is a perfect example for Bronny to follow.

After spending four years in college, Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft but earned a spot with the Lakers on a two-way contract. His hard work and development paid off, leading to a regular spot in the lineup and a four-year, $54 million contract.

Reaves’s journey from an undrafted player to a key contributor for the Lakers, potentially their third-best player behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, underscores the value of perseverance and growth.

His experience and guidance could be invaluable for Bronny as he navigates the early stages of his career. By supporting Bronny and emphasizing the importance of personal development over external expectations, Reaves exemplifies the supportive and nurturing environment the Lakers aim to provide for their young talent.

LeBron James Praises Bronny James For His Recent Performances

LeBron James recently praised his son Bronny James for his impressive performances in the Summer League. Despite being part of Team USA this summer and unable to watch Bronny’s games in person, LeBron has been following closely from afar.

In a recent game, Bronny showcased his potential by scoring 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, leading the Lakers to a narrow victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked his second consecutive strong game, a significant improvement after a rough start to his Summer League campaign.

LeBron expressed his pride in Bronny’s progress, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and continuing to work hard. Bronny’s initial struggles in the Summer League drew considerable criticism, an inevitable consequence of being LeBron’s son and playing for the high-profile Lakers. However, LeBron noted Bronny’s resilience and ability to block out the noise, staying committed to improving his game.

Bronny’s recent performances have shown his potential as both an offensive and defensive asset. While his shooting has improved, his defensive prowess has been consistently impressive, displaying good instincts and discipline on that end of the floor.

As Bronny continues to develop, his performances will be closely watched, and with the support of his father and teammates, he has the potential to carve out a significant role for himself in the NBA. LeBron’s confidence in his son’s future underscores the belief that Bronny can thrive despite the immense expectations and pressure that come with being the son of an NBA legend.