Jul 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) competes against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Just three games into his career, Bronny James is already the most talked-about player in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ No. 55 pick has struggled offensively in the Summer League, receiving his share of criticism on social media. On FS1’s Undisputed Rachel Nichols defended Bronny James, arguing that such high expectations were unrealistic for a No. 55 pick so early into his career.

“I think that people are looking at him as if he’s a top-10 pick. He’s not a top-10 pick. He is a No. 55 pick. The expectations for a No. 55 pick should be that you’re largely headed to the G-League and may get some games up in the NBA.

“Last year’s No. 55 pick (Isaiah Wong) played four total minutes in the NBA. He didn’t average four minutes a game in the NBA — four total minutes, and those came in one game.” Nichols argued on the show.

Bronny James has shown flashes of potential in first four Summer League

Despite the noise, Bronny James has displayed NBA-ready defensive tools that could help him carve out an immediate role with the Lakers. The Lakers rookie put together his most complete offensive showing versus the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, scoring 12 points, shooting 45% from the field and 40% from downtown.

In three games this summer, James has averaged 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. In the process, James has displayed the defensive versatility that he was highly touted for.

Bronny James is set to kick off his rookie season in 2024 with averages of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists, shooting 27% from beyond the arc in his lone season at USC.

James was sidelined for the start of the season after he suffered a cardiac arrest in summer workouts last year. James came back to play in 25 games for the Trojans, making six starts.

With a strong Combine showing, Bronny James flew up draft boards, even receiving some chatter as a potential first-round pick prior to the days leading up to the draft.

Bronny will join fellow rookie Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ No. 17 pick, as the two look to fill out Los Angeles’ bench entering the season. Both players have displayed the ability to knock down threes and could bring strong energy off the bench.

James has shown the ability to hit tough shots throughout Summer League and could provide a nice spark for the Lakers coming off the bench in 2024.