Bronny James might just be leaving behind all the noise that surrounded his rookie season-and if recent footage is any indication, he’s also leaving gravity behind. In a clip from the Lakers’ first day of training camp, the 19-year-old soared into the air for a dunk that turned heads inside the facility. It was confident, clean, and came with the kind of elevation that trainers don’t overlook.
Even as some fans online tried to downplay the dunk as “basic,” those inside the gym weren’t buying it. What they saw was a player coming into his own. Bronny’s movement was fluid, his timing crisp, and the confidence in his lift undeniable. Bronny’s game is starting to speak for itself.
New season, new bounce
The pressure of having “James” stitched on his jersey was never going to go away. When your father is one of the greatest players of all time-and still active-it comes with territory. Criticism, fair or not, travels with the fame. But while LeBron James continues to make headlines of his own-possibly heading into his final season with the Lakers and facing whispers of a team switch-Bronny isn’t getting distracted. He’s sticking to the plan: carve out his own path and improve on a rocky rookie campaign.
Bronny spent most of last season with the Lakers’ G-League affiliate, quietly working on his game and building trust within the organization. It wasn’t flashy, but it was foundational. And now, back in the main gym and under brighter lights, he looks more agile, more confident, and-if you believe the dunk-literally lighter. Whether it’s the weight of expectations lifting or just better conditioning, there’s something different about Bronny heading into year two.
Earning his place, not his name
He’s not banking on legacy, and he’s certainly not waiting for his dad to carry the storyline. Bronny wants this to be about his game-and if the energy from his teammates after the dunk is any clue, they’re starting to buy in too. Dalton Knecht’s reaction alone hinted at a team that’s ready to support Bronny’s rise, regardless of whether LeBron stays or not.
That’s the part that makes this moment even more intriguing. Bronny’s buzz isn’t just about potential or famous bloodlines-it’s about performance. Bronny James still has a long way to go, but he’s already showing signs that this second season might be a turning point. He’s focused, grounded in his work, and slowly rising above the outside noise-while quite literally rising above the rim.
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