Magic Johnson tells Lakers what he would do with Bronny James next season Bronny James was picked late in the second round of the NBA Draft by LA READ MORE: Bronny James 'got special treatment at NBA Summer League' By Jake Nisse Published: 22:04 BST, 27 September 2024 | Updated: 22:09 BST, 27 September 2024 e-mail View comments Magic Johnson does not think Bronny James is yet 'ready' for NBA action with the Lakers , and advised his ex-team to take a patient approach with the rookie. James, the son of Lakers star LeBron, was selected 55th overall in this June's NBA Draft after an ordinary season at USC in which he averaged just 4.8 points per game.
And while Johnson sees talent in the 19-year-old, he believes he should spend this year with the Lakers' developmental squad, the South Bay Lakers. 'If I'm Bronny, I would tell my dad, 'Just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop,'' Johnson said on Jimmy Kimmel Live . 'He needs playing time.
He doesn't need to be sitting on the Laker bench and not playing.' Magic Johnson explained on Jimmy Kimmel Live how the Lakers should handle Bronny James Bronny James played for the Lakers in the Summer League after being drafted in the 2nd round Bronny's lone year at USC was disrupted after he suffered a cardiac arrest in the summer prior - forcing him to miss the first eight games of the season. His USC squad also performed below expectations, finishing 15-18 overall and just 8-12 in the Pac 12.
Nonetheless, it's unlikely.