He doesn’t let any of negative stuff get to him – Dane Johnson lauds Bronny James

Los Angeles Lakers summer league coach Dane Johnson shared words of praise for Bronny James. Johnson said James is on the right track and he is learning quickly at the top level, which is a positive for the team.

After a disappointing start, James Jr. was able to turn the tables and performed well against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The youngster scored 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting over his final two games. However, despite his good performance, Johnson decided to put him to bench in their Saturday’s 107-81 win over the Chicago Bulls to manage him better.

“He had two pretty good games last two,” Lakers summer league coach Dane Johnson said. “I think it’s just going to help him going into the summer so we can work on different things with him. Just that confidence and knowing he can play at this level. It’s still going to take a lot of time and a lot of reps.”

Johnson was delighted that James was able to let his performances do the talking for him after a dismal start.

“In general, he doesn’t let any of that stuff get to him,” Johnson said. “He just wants to play basketball and be on a team. He’s a good kid. He’s listening. He’s trying to learn.”

Johnson said James is currently better as a shooting guard but he has the skills to play as a point guard and they will be working on him.

“I think right now he’s more of a [shooting guard], but I think he could be a combo-ish,” Johnson said. “He picks up stuff really well. We throw stuff at him — plays, coverages, defensively. He kind of picks it up really quick, so I think he could potentially be [a point guard]. Maybe we’ll work on that in the summer, but I think right now being that secondary playmaker is kind of where he’s at right now.”

James will look to keep improving and deliver for the Lakers.