Bronny James: ‘Of Course There Are Nerves’ Before Lakers Preseason Debut vs. T-Wolves

Jack MurrayOctober 4, 2024

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Bronny James is embracing the nerves ahead of his first preseason game.

The 2024 second-round pick will make his preseason debut on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves and acknowledged that he may have some stress but that he is looking forward to the opportunity.

“Of course, there are nerves,” Bronny said at shootaround Friday, per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “(It) comes with everything. But I’m just excited to go out there and learn and learn from the people playing in front of me. And if I get a chance to showcase my game, then I’m going to do that to the best of my ability.”

James will eventually form the NBA’s first father-son duo with his father, LeBron James, but that won’t come on Friday as the elder James will be held out of the matchup. Still, the night will be Bronny James’ first true taste of NBA action.

He comes to the Lakers after one season at USC. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games. He will likely see a bench role in 2024-25 for the Lakers but a strong preseason performance could help him secure more playing time throughout the regular season.

However, the preseason will mainly be about preparing him for the grind of the NBA schedule and that journey begins with Friday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.