The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the most talked-about second-round picks in NBA history when they selected Bronny James with the 55th pick earlier in the offseason. Everyone in the organization, from Governor Jeanie Buss to General Manager Rob Pelinka to Head Coach JJ Redick, has endorsed the pick.

Buss and Co. were criticized for their selection, as Bronny is the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James and many fans felt the USC guard didn’t deserve a spot on the NBA roster. However, Bronny has proven he can hold his own on the NBA floor with some solid performances at the Las Vegas Summer League, and everyone continues to rave about his mentality.

That’s one of the things Buss appreciates most about Bronny, and the reason she had no qualms about giving him a chance to prove himself as a Laker (via Petros and Money on AM 570):

“Yeah, I mean, we have to give the kid a chance to play and prove that he belongs in the Lakers uniform. And everything we’ve seen from him and his work ethic are just some of the things he’s had to overcome as the son of a big star. He works hard, he’s dedicated. He really wants to do this. And when we have a roster of players with that same mentality, I think the sky’s the limit.”

It’s unlikely that Bronny will contribute to the Lakers in year one, but that’s not something a team will be asked to do under any circumstances. Bronny’s goal in his first season is to continue his development in Redick’s new system.

And from everything that’s been said about him at every level, James seems determined to put in the work necessary to improve. And if he can eventually be a productive NBA player, that will be more than most 55th picks have ever accomplished.

Jeanie Buss thought LeBron James’ maximum was a bargain

Jeanie Buss is doing her best to carry on her father’s legacy, which includes taking care of superstars and allowing them the flexibility they need. She did this by happily allowing LeBron James to compete in the 2024 Olympics and praising him for accepting a contract just under the maximum salary to improve the team’s situation on the second apron.

She called James’ contract a bargain for the Lakers, given what he does for the team and the sport around the world.

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