Renowned NBA coach believes Bronny James will have a long, fruitful NBA career

The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have a promising rookie on the roster in guard Dalton Knecht, who went off for 35 points in a preseason win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

But the other half of their rookie class, Bronny James, will be followed much more closely this season than a typical second-round pick, thanks to his relationship with his father and teammate LeBron James. One big question arises during the younger James’ rookie season: Can he carve out a career for himself in the NBA?

Chris Brickley, one of the most renowned basketball coaches who has worked with stars like Suns forward Kevin Durant, longtime forward Carmelo Anthony and Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers, believes the 20-year-old has what it takes.

“He wants to improve,” Chris Brickley said of James to Bleacher Report’s Justin Robertson. “I think he’s a lot better than people think. From his ball-handling, to shooting, to athleticism, to IQ, it’s way higher than people give him credit for. I think he’s going to have a long career in the NBA to have.”

James, who averaged 4.8 points per game in his lone collegiate season at USC, hasn’t exactly put up big numbers in the preseason.

He had his best game Thursday night against Phoenix, scoring four points on 2-of-4 shooting in 17 minutes. But in the four previous games, James totaled four points on 2-for-16 shooting with five turnovers.

Bronny’s career is just getting started, but it’s clear that it will take time to adapt to the speed of the NBA, just like any other newcomer.