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Ahead of his rookie season, LA Lakers guard Bronny James was spotted working on his oft-criticized jump shot. However, most NBA fans were unimpressed, instead quipping about the 19-year-old's projected Year 1 impact.
Following an up-and-down freshman season at USC, James was drafted No. 55 by LA in this year's draft. Many alleged the organization only selected him to appease his father, Lakers superstar forward LeBron James. Nonetheless, the franchise has insisted it is high on his two-way potential.
The biggest point of criticism surrounding Bronny James' game has been his inconsistent offense. Over 25 contests with the Trojans, he shot only 36.6% and 26.7% from 3-point range. He followed that up by shooting just 32.7% and 13.0% from deep across six Las Vegas and California Classic NBA Summer League outings last month.
However, James has seemingly made a concerted effort to improve his jumper this offseason. On Sunday, a clip of the Lakers rookie working with shooting coach Ryan Grande on creating space to knock down outside shots went viral on X/Twitter.
In the video, James can be seen converting several perimeter shots off the dribble.
Nevertheless, most fans continued mocking the No. 55 pick, noting that he would receive minimal playing time, if any, during his rookie season.
"All that just to average 4 points," @Thetruth8240 said.
"Doing all this just to ride the bench," @HoodiJustice wrote.
"Doesn’t really have to, though, since we know why he’s here," @kashthriller said.
"The [NBA] G league is waiting for him," @dgsire wrote.
However, some fans appreciated James putting in work to get better.
"Showing the hard work and effort that got him here," @a3_isaac said.
"His 3-and-D [ability] and effort [are gonna] win him real minutes. I think he’s gonna go off this year, LOL, watch," @Duwop96 wrote.
Jeanie Buss raves about Bronny James' work ethic
Among those seemingly impressed by Bronny James' work ethic is Lakers owner and team president Jeanie Buss.
During a Thursday appearance on AM 570 LA Sports' "Petros and Money Show," Buss raved about James' mentality and potential.
"Everything that we’ve seen from him and about him and his work ethic and just some of the things that he’s had to overcome, being the son of a big star, he works hard, he’s dedicated and he really wants to do this," Buss said. "If we can have a roster of players with that same mentality, then I think the sky is the limit."
Like most second-round draft picks, James will likely split his rookie season between the NBA and the G League. However, if he can become at least a league-average shooter, that should bode well for his chances of carving out a consistent NBA bench role.
