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PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during warm ups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on October 06, 2024 in Palm Springs, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
NBA icon LeBron James liked an Instagram post that claimed Bronny James is outplaying former number one draft pick Zaccharie Risacher. Both players were selected in the 2024 NBA Draft via drastically different positions. The Atlanta Hawks made Risacher the number one overall pick, and the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny deep into the second round to appease his father LeBron.
A Lakers fan page posted the following caption and graphic to receive a like from LeBron:
“While 2024’s top pick Zaccharie Risacher searched for his rhythm this April, Bronny James is proving his development is ahead of schedule. While Zaccharie Risacher has struggled with a .100 three-point percentage, Bronny James is trending upward with efficient .472/.429 shooting splits. Bronny continues to improve each month as the top pick cools off.”
LeBron liked seeing the stats comparing Bronny’s improvement against the perceived top player from his draft class. The Lakers played Bronny more in April after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves forced JJ Redick to adjust his rotation.
Redick has played Bronny and LeBron on the court together to solid results, especially since the Lakers were able to clinch the fourth seed. Bronny may even get some playing time in the playoffs due to the Lakers having limited options at the guard position right now.
This Says More About Zaccharie Risacher
The social media post praising Bronny actually says a lot more about Risacher’s career than LeBron’s son. Atlanta drafted the most talented player in a relatively weak draft class and have unfortunately received little progression from the top pick.
The Hawks can’t argue too much since Jalen Johnson looks like a superstar, and other young players have emerged to make them a playoff team. However, Risacher is not fitting into the team’s identity and is starting to look like a bust.
Atlanta will give Risacher a few more seasons to progress and prove he belongs as a fixture for the future. However, the top pick having worse stats than Bronny is a bad look since the Lakers only play him limited minutes in a reserve role. The clock is ticking on Risacher to prove he belongs in the NBA.
Bronny Has Chance To Set Up NBA Future
The Lakers and other teams will give Bronny a chance to keep playing in the NBA if he proves to be a valued backup. Opposing road teams give Bronny a lot of love over his bigger star power of being the son of an iconic figure.
Teams will get fan interest from having Bronny on the roster, but he clearly must deliver a full season of contributions. Rumors have circulated that the Lakers hope to use Bronny to tempt LeBron into signing a cheaper contract for next season by playing them together more.
Bronny will get a fair chance and show the world that he can be a backup for an NBA team. The three-point shooting and defense of Bronny must improve to make up for his other weaknesses at the highest of level of basketball in the NBA.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford