Magic Johnson praises Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers fans are having a great week. While their team may have suffered a brutal loss to the Golden State Warriors in their last preseason game, they saw flashes of brilliance from their star rookie, Bronny James.
With praises for the rookie pouring in, Lakers legend Magic Johnson has also chimed in about Bronny James‘ breakout game. The Hall of Famer and former Lakers GM showered the youngster with high praise following the rookie’s 17-point outburst in the preseason.
Johnson praised James’ high IQ playstyle, athleticism, and competitive spirit in a post on social media. In fact, the Lakers legend went so far as to say that he envisions James becoming a regular member of the Lakers’ rotation.
Laker Nation, I have to tell you Bronny James is going to be a really good basketball player! Last night, he showed he has a few things you simply can’t teach-high basketball IQ, athleticism, and a competitive spirit that makes him a tenacious defender! I believe after a lot of hard work this season, he’ll definitely be in the Lakers’ rotation and playing heavy minutes.
Magic Johnson said on X
Laker Nation, I have to tell you Bronny James is going to be a really good basketball player! Last night, he showed he has a few things you simply can’t teach-high basketball IQ, athleticism, and a competitive spirit that makes him a tenacious defender! I believe after a lot of… https://t.co/HAyv1oQLvm
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 20, 2024
In another post, Johnson continued to talk about the development process of James. He compared the development and career path of the 20-year-old to other prominent stars in the league like Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso. Both the stars started their career with the Lakers as bench players before cementing themselves as certified starters in the NBA.
Basketball fans, Bronny James is in good hands with the Lakers, who are great with developing talent. Two names that I can name recently that I’ve seen firsthand are Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, who both are starters in the league today. Bronny will be next.
Magic Johnson added
Basketball fans, Bronny James is in good hands with the Lakers, who are great with developing talent. Two names that I can name recently that I’ve seen firsthand are Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, who both are starters in the league today. Bronny will be next.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 20, 2024
However, the Lakers’ revamped coaching staff remains the only point of contention. With JJ Reddick taking over as head coach, the team appointed Ty Abbott as the player development coach. Abbott replaces assistant coach Phil Handy, who has played a vital role in player development for the Lakers in prior seasons.
Magic Johnson’s praises for Lakers breakout rookie ring true
While much of the focus of the Lakers preseason has been devoted to Bronny James, a draft day prediction by Magic Johnson might be the X-factor for the Lakers. Following the Lakers’ decision to draft 23-year-old rookie Dalton Knecht, Johnson showered the team with praise.
Laker Nation, outstanding pick last night by our Lakers selecting Dalton Knecht – I love it! Dalton is just what the Lakers need, a deadly 3-point shooter/scorer who is physically tough and has swag. He also played for a winning program and really good college coach at Tennessee, Rick Barnes! Dalton is a guy that has a chance to start or play a lot off the bench.
Magic Johnson said on X
Laker Nation, outstanding pick last night by our Lakers selecting Dalton Knecht – I love it! Dalton is just what the Lakers need, a deadly 3-point shooter/scorer who is physically tough and has swag. He also played for a winning program and really good college coach at Tennessee,…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 27, 2024
In a post from July, Johnson marveled at the 3-point shooting and scoring ability that Knecht brings to the table. The 5x champion with the Lakers believes that the addition of Knecht to the team will play a vital role in increasing the team’s bench-scoring production.
It seems that Johnson does indeed know ball, as Knecht has looked every bit the player that Johnson believes he could be. Knecht has been on a heater from behind the arc during the preseason, torching the Suns in the Lakers’ penultimate preseason game with 8 triples.
As the Lakers take on the Timberwolves in the season opener, it will be interesting to see if Johnson’s predictions about the Lakers’ rookies continue to ring true.
