Bronny James is spending most of his rookie season in the G League after being drafted by Los Angeles Lakers At the end of the second round of 2024 NBA draft. James has always been viewed as a long-term developmental prospect by the Lakers, and getting reps in the G League is crucial to his continued growth. On Friday night, the 20-year-old James had the best match of his professional career to date.
James put up 31 points on 10-of-22 shooting from the field and 5-of-11 shooting from three-point range to lead the South Bay Lakers to a win over Rip City Remix. The 31 points represent a new career high for James, who never scored more than 15 points during his lone season at USC.
James punctuated his career highlight reel with a stunning sticker over a Rip City defender during the third quarter. Look at him, Bronny, getting up:
Oh without you. A man whose legal name is LeBron James Jr. must be a good running and jumping athlete, and Bronny certainly is. It’s a pity that he doesn’t have his father’s height.
Bronny still has a long way to go before he becomes a solid NBA player, but his ability to put up big numbers in a G League game is a positive sign for his development. The dunk will get all the attention, but shooting 5-of-11 from three is even more encouraging. If Bronny is going to fulfill his potential, he will have to be a defensive pest at the point of attack against point guards, and he will have to space the floor and take shots as an offensive player off the ball.
Watch the full highlights of Bronny James’ 31-point game in the G League here:
Great game from Bronny. Better yet, he got his first real poster.
