Bronny James recently revealed the advice he received from Stephen Curry following his career-best performance in the Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors. After scoring 17 points, Bronny had the chance to catch up with Curry, a moment he described as surreal and significant. Curry, known for his humility and willingness to mentor young players, offered Bronny some simple yet impactful advice:
"Just catching up, but mainly just, you know, him telling me to play my game and be myself. Also just giving some pointers on, you know, things to do in certain situations, but nothing, nothing too crazy." (3:45)
In what was his best showing yet in the preseason, Bronny's stat line included 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block in 35 minutes of play. This was a major step forward for the 20-year-old rookie, who had struggled in his previous preseason games. Prior to this breakout performance, Bronny had only managed a combined 8 points on 4-of-20 shooting across five games, making this recent success even more meaningful.
When asked about Curry’s advice, Bronny shared that while Curry gave him pointers on how to handle certain game situations, the main takeaway was to stay true to himself on the court. This straightforward advice from one of the NBA’s all-time greats holds a deeper meaning, especially for a young player like Bronny, who is navigating immense expectations as LeBron James' son.
Bronny's performance against the Warriors showcased a growing sense of confidence, as he played without the hesitation that had plagued him in earlier games. Reflecting on the game, Bronny said it felt great to "just go out there and not think as much and just play." His increased comfort on the court was evident as he not only contributed offensively but also demonstrated his defensive abilities with three steals and solid positioning.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged Bronny’s improvement, emphasizing that every experience, both positive and negative, is a learning opportunity. He expressed optimism about Bronny’s growth, stating that the young guard’s progress is a building block toward becoming a great basketball player.
Beyond the technical aspects of the game, Redick praised Bronny’s maturity and ability to handle the external pressure that comes with his family name. Bronny has been in the spotlight his entire life, and now, as he begins his NBA career, the expectations are even higher. However, Redick noted that Bronny has navigated these pressures with "class and grace," which is a testament to his character both on and off the court.
Curry's advice, paired with Bronny’s strong work ethic and focus, could be the key to unlocking his potential as a player in the NBA. For Bronny, meeting Curry was not just about fan admiration but a chance to learn from someone he has looked up to for years. The interaction seemed to leave a lasting impact on the rookie, as Curry offered not just mentorship but respect for Bronny’s game—a gesture that clearly resonated with him.
As the Lakers head into the regular season, Bronny may not see significant playing time right away. However, his performance in the preseason finale is a promising sign that he is on the right track. With continued guidance from veterans like Curry and support from his teammates and coaches, Bronny is well-positioned to carve out his own path in the league, beyond the shadow of his famous last name.
