Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, made an impactful debut in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, contributing to a 110-96 victory over the Salt Lake City Stars. Starting the game, Bronny logged six points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. While his shooting performance (2-for-9) was modest, his defensive efforts and court vision stood out.
Star-Studded Support in Attendance
LeBron James and his family, including his wife Savannah and daughter Zuri, watched proudly from courtside at the Lakers’ training complex. Also present were Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, highlighting the excitement around Bronny’s progression.
Bronny’s debut marked a crucial step in his path, as coach JJ Redick emphasized that the G League would play a central role in honing his skills. Bronny had previously made brief appearances in five NBA games this season, totaling 14 minutes and scoring four points. Saturday’s game, however, was his most significant showing since an impressive preseason matchup against Golden State, where he logged 35 minutes and scored 15 points.
Highlight Reel Moments
- First Possession Brilliance: Bronny opened his scoring early, sinking a jumper within the first minute.
- Playmaking Excellence: His alley-oop assist to Kylor Kelley showcased his passing accuracy.
- Defensive Hustle: In a standout moment, Bronny partially blocked Isaiah Wong’s shot, leading to a fast-break three-pointer on the other end.
- Adapting to New Rules: In the fourth quarter, he scored a point under the G League’s experimental free-throw rule, which allows a single free throw to count for multiple points in certain situations.
Drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny continues to refine his game. Last season at Southern California, he averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds over 25 games. With this promising start in the G League, Bronny is setting the stage for bigger contributions in his professional career.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he progresses under the watchful eye of his father and the Lakers’ coaching staff.
