Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss has opened up about Bronny James and the franchise’s future.
The JJ Redick-led Lakers currently sit atop their division and rank fifth in the Western Conference, narrowly trailing the Rockets, Nuggets, and Grizzlies.
The Lakers have prioritized developing young talent this season, with Bronny James, LeBron James’ son, emerging as the most high-profile example of their investment in the next generation.
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“Oh, I love having [Bronny on the team,]” Buss said to PEOPLE, authoritatively. “If we could have a roster of players with his work ethic, his focus — we love having him a part of the organization. He’s been wonderful to work with.”
Bronny James has been splitting time between the G League and the Lakers bench as he works toward full-time NBA readiness.
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In 17 games this season, he has averaged 1.4 points in 4.2 minutes per game, per ESPN. While critics have questioned his preparedness for the league, Lakers President Buss remains optimistic about the 20-year-old guard’s development.
“He’s having to go from the G League to the NBA, which we’ve done a great job [with],” assured Buss. “Our scouting department, our basketball operations have done a great job developing talent like Austin Reeves and Max Christie. So, Bronny’s just going to be another one of those players that will continue to develop.”
Buss was speaking at the Running Point premiere on February 13. Netflix’s upcoming series Running Point takes loose inspiration from Lakers President Buss’ journey to becoming a front office executive.
The show, led by Mindy Kaling and starring Kate Hudson, follows Isla Gordon, who takes over a storied basketball franchise after a scandal forces her brother to resign.
Buss, an executive producer on the project, believes the 10-episode series will captivate Lakers fans, much like HBO’s Winning Time, which previously depicted her story.
