Jaylen Brown Responds to Viral Video, Says Lakers’ Bronny James ‘Has All the Tools’

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has responded to a viral video in which he appeared to express doubt that Bronny James can be successful in the NBA.

In a post on X, Brown clarified that James “has all the tools around him to be successful” and he looks “forward to watching his growth” as a player.

It’s not even clear from the video that Brown was talking about James and his ability to play in the NBA, but the moment caught the attention of the internet so much that the reigning NBA Finals MVP felt compelled to address it.

There are plenty of questions about what James’ short and long-term outlook is right now. He had a disappointing season at USC, even though it was incredible he played at all after experiencing cardiac arrest during a practice in July 2023.

The NBA’s Fitness to Play panel had to clear James before he was eligible to participate in the draft combine in May.

B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman projected James to be a 3-and-D two-guard in the NBA, calling him a “secondary ball-handler and spot-up shooter” on offense. He also praised his defensive aptitude:

“The combination of foot speed, strength, IQ and focus has made James an excellent defender at the high school and college levels. He’s difficult to shake free from in isolation, and he does a good job avoiding being taken out of a play by a screen. Off the ball, he’s alert and actively looking to anticipate passes so he can make a play on the ball. NBA teams should ultimately picture him being able to guard either backcourt spot with his quickness and toughness.”

The concerns about James’ shooting ability haven’t been alleviated in Summer League play. He’s shooting 21.1 percent from the field on 9.5 attempts per game and is 0-of-11 from three-point range in two games in Las Vegas.

James has said he’s open to whatever role the Lakers have for him during the 2024-25 campaign, whether it’s with the main club or in the G League.

“I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play, no matter what level I’m playing at,” he told reporters after the Lakers’ 99-80 loss to the Houston Rockets on July 12.

James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

As long as expectations are within reason, especially early in his career, James can be given the proper development needed to hone his skills so he can become a reliable contributor in the NBA for years to come.