Bronny James is not like most second-round picks. But like most second-round picks, he’s a project who needs time to develop.
Making his G League road debut, James teased a bit of his long-term potential with 30 points on 13-of-23 shooting in just 25 minutes against the Valley Suns. The South Bay Lakers did lose, however, 106-100.
The scoring outburst nearly doubled his previous G League career-high of 16 set a week ago against the San Diego Clippers. James had his jumper working early as he knocked down a pair of triples in the first few minutes, opening the door for his drive game.
Bronny James is off to a HOT-START! 🔥 @Lakers draftee has 8 quick points for the @SouthBayLakers on ESPN+. pic.twitter.com/Xfm3JuvnxU
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 13, 2024
He did provide a big slam highlight as well, skying for a two-handed alley-oop dunk after cutting from the baseline.
LOOKOUT FOR BRONNY! 🤯
Sir’Jabari Rice dimes a lob to Bronny James for the slam. @SouthBayLakers lead by 17 on ESPN+. pic.twitter.com/uMB9XSULxK
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 13, 2024
Drafted 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James’ son has had a bit of an uptick as he receives more playing time with South Bay. He’s now averaging 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the G League.
Bronny hadn’t played for the Lakers between Nov. 13 and Dec. 6, making a G League assignment all the more sensible. In seven NBA games, he’s played 18 total minutes and made just one of his eight field goal attempts.
The 20-year-old is easily receiving the most hype and attention of any second-round pick, and that comes with the most scrutiny as well. His jump shot will need to come a long way in order to compete for real minutes at the NBA level, and there’s no better place than to work at it in the G League.
At the start of the season, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Bronny would only play in South Bay’s home games, but it’s apparent he needs the reps more than anything. There might have been an initial fear that Bronny would be in for some harsh treatment from fans in road environments, but that’s something he’s going to have to get accustomed to as well.
Bronny’s next opportunity to build off this 30-point performance will come Friday, when he again faces the Suns as part of a back-to-back.
