3 POVs on How Bronny James Can Survive His NBA Rookie Season | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Former Lakers center Tarik Black found the initial transition from college to the NBA physically challenging.

It was a difficult adjustment, competing against grown men with 10 or 15 years of experience at the NBA level.

“They don’t have to arrive fully packaged,” Black said. “You just have to have potential in different areas, but do really well in the things that are expected of you.”

Black remembers his time in the G League as a time when he was able to get crucial minutes, shots and reps while on the bench and in the starting lineup. He said it helped him stay in shape, find his rhythm and build confidence.

The former Houston Rockets and Lakers player believes James should take advantage of all that experience and knowledge.

“Soak up the wisdom and ask questions to get as many perspectives as possible,” he said. “And then go to the G League if he gets sent there and work on everything you’re taught.”

At the start of the 2014-15 season, Dwight Howard's injuries opened the door for Black to start for the Rockets.

Suddenly the 1.90 meter tall rookie was carrying the burden as the No. 1 center.

“It was the longest year of my life,” Black said. “The process left me physically exhausted. But knowing who I am, what I bring to the table and breaking down those principles has given me that simplicity.”

When Black was with the Lakers early in his career, he said reaching out for extra sessions during preseason and training camp helped him reach the next level, both physically and on the court.

Whenever Howard, Joey Dorsey or other greats were on the court, Black would jump in to help with defense, assist with rebounding or find a way to get involved.

“For a young man, there’s not a lot of repetition in the exercises when he’s training,” he said. “But as often as they would allow me, I try to play, get my reps in, learn the game and get used to what the game is like at their level at this level – the NBA is a must-play different game .

Every path for an NBA rookie is different. James has a guaranteed contract and was introduced to an elite basketball life by his father, LeBron. Black says these experiences will help the rookie navigate the early stages of training camp and will be less of an adjustment for him.

“When you escape the glitz and glamor of the NBA and go to the G, you get the chance to play purely for the love of the game,” he said. “The G is full of hungry talent and you have the chance to compete for the purity of competition. (Bronny has to) take advantage of that.”