Bronny James acknowledge the pressure he’s under given his selection in the draft but said it’s stuff he has had experience dealing with.
— After Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James thanked coach JJ Redick and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka for everything they have «given» to him after drafting him No. 55 last week, Redick corrected his young guard.
«Rob and I did not give Bronny anything», Redick said during a news conference Tuesday to introduce James along with the Lakers’ No. 17 pick, Dalton Knecht. «Bronny has earned this. . Bronny has earned this through hard work.»
Bronny’s parents, LeBron and Savannah James, stood off to the side at the Lakers’ facility as their eldest son reported to his first day at the job in the family business.
«For sure, amplified amount of pressure», Bronny said of the attention surrounding his joining the Lakers. «I’ve already seen it on social media and stuff, and the internet and stuff and talking about that I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life. So it’s nothing different, but it’s more amplified, for sure. But I’ll get through it.»
The 19-year-old rookie, who entered the draft after averaging 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting (26.7% from 3), 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes per game at USC after undergoing a heart procedure last summer, said the nearly five-month layoff due to the medical issue affected his development.
«I feel like I could’ve been perfecting my game more», Bronny said. «I feel like I’ve been given the opportunity to showcase what I can really do because I wasn’t given that much of an opportunity at SC. I’m excited for what is to come.»
Knecht signed his contract with L.A. on Tuesday — a standardized deal based on his position in the first round. Bronny’s contract is expected to be finalized before the Lakers open up their summer league slate in the California Classic against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
