Former NBA guard and current podcast host Patrick Beverley never hesitates to speak his mind and his latest comments are about none other than Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James . Despite being a 2nd round pick, Bronny is under a lot of pressure because of his last name—but Beverley thinks he’s about to shut all the critics up big time.
Beverley thinks Bronny will make a big impact in this year’s playoffs and even compared him to himself when he was younger. Here’s what Beverley said about Bronny’s potential and why he sees himself in the Lakers’ rookie.
Beverley’s Bold Take on Bronny’s Playoff Role
On the Pat Bev Podcast, Beverley really got people talking when he said Bronny James could shine in the playoffs-and actually thrive when he gets the chance to play.
“When the Lakers are up 20 or down 20, I think Bronny comes in and plays well,” Beverley said. “Throw him in the next game and I think he’s a game-changer.” That’s when he really starts to believe Bronny has what it takes to take his game to the next level.
Beverley thinks Bronny can make a real difference in winning games. “He plays well in the minutes he’s given,” he said. “That was my coming-out party. I think that’s Bronny’s coming-out party too.”
You can tell from his tenacious, defensive background that Beverley sees something in Bronny that he likes. He wants the Lakers rookie to use the playoffs as a chance to introduce himself as a real NBA player. And he thinks that could happen this season.
Bronny’s Development So Far
Bronny’s NBA numbers through 23 games have been meh—2.3 points on 33% FG, 25% 3PT, 79% FT in 5.9 minutes per game—but in the G League he’s been much better.
Earlier this month Bronny had a career high and his third 30+ point game in the G League. He’s scoring efficiently and defending and getting love from analysts and fans.
“He’s developing right before our eyes!” Beverley said, comparing Bronny to himself in his early years.
Can Bronny Handle the Playoff Spotlight?
Thrusting a rookie into the playoffs—that’s a high-risk move. Especially one with limited regular-season experience. The NBA playoffs are a different animal altogether: faster-paced, more physical- and that means zero room for error.
For Beverley to say Bronny not only survives but thrives in that environment is a pretty bold prediction. But he genuinely believes Bronny’s development and composure make him a candidate for real playing time.
“Bronny is built for those kinds of moments,” Beverley said. “He’s got the right mindset to handle it. And if the Lakers give him a shot—he’ll surprise a lot of people.” That’s the confidence he has in the kid.
What’s Next for Bronny and the Lakers?
The Lakers will be putting their entire roster to the test as the playoffs get underway on April 19. If Beverley’s prediction comes true, Bronny could find himself in clutch situations—albeit initially in garbage time. Whether or not Bronny can really deliver on that promise is still up in the air.
One thing that is certain, though: he’s got a lot riding on those first few games. That means he’ll be under pressure to prove himself right alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis-the kind of seasoned veterans who set the bar very high.
That pressure is going to be intense. It will be on Bronny to show he belongs on that court alongside those guys.
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