Bronny James has long struggled for consistent NBA minutes with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his latest G League performance suggests he is finding his stride. In a standout showing, he reminded everyone of his potential.
After facing the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers sent James Jr. to the South Bay Lakers and there he responded emphatically, scoring a season-high 20 points and sealing a crucial overtime win against the Memphis Hustle on Saturday.
LeBron James was quick to praise his son, sharing a video of Bronny throwing down a powerful dunk after a steal.
“The AIR different [up] there,” LeBron, a four-time NBA champion, wrote proudly on X.com (formerly known as Twitter), celebrating his son’s energy and impact in the developmental league.
James Jr. played 30 minutes, recording 5 rebounds and 7 assists while shooting nearly 73% from the field.
His performance helped South Bay defeat the Hustle 125-121, showcasing skills that have been underutilized in the NBA.
Even in his second NBA season, Bronny has struggled for consistent playing time with Los Angeles.
However, his G League stats show significant growth, reflecting the effort he put in during the offseason to improve both offense and defense.
In his rookie season, James Jr. averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 44.3% overall and 38.0% from three.
This season, he is averaging 17 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, with field-goal accuracy at 62.5% and 46.7% from beyond the arc.
Despite his improvement, NBA minutes remain scarce. Bronny was expected to serve as a 3-and-D type on the Lakers, showing flashes in his lone college season at USC, where he excelled as a quick-shifting guard with strong ball-handling skills.
After a challenging rookie year, James Jr. said he has embraced a more defensive-minded approach to earn playing time.
“It’s definitely made me think about being more aggressive on that end of the floor,” Bronny explained. “But I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor…
“I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now. To get myself on the floor, I’ve got to be a defensive menace.”
Coach J.J. Redick echoed this approach, comparing Bronny’s style to players like T.J. McConnell and Davion Mitchell as he also emphasized conditioning as a key factor.
“To get to that next level for him, it’s cardio fitness,” Redick said. Six months later, James Jr. still sees limited minutes, hindered by the Lakers’ roster construction and their need for experienced ball-handlers.
LeBron James sets another NBA record
With LeBron, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves occupying primary roles, Bronny’s defensive weaknesses limit his floor time.
The Lakers need spacing and perimeter defense that James Jr. has yet to consistently provide, making his G League success all the more important.
On Friday, January 2 the Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies, fueled by standout performances from Doncic and James as Reaves sat out, but the duo combined for 65 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Jake LaRavia, starting in Reaves’ absence, scored 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and added two steals against his former team.
Los Angeles pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Memphis 32-25 after a tied frame entering the final period.
LeBron also set a new milestone, breaking the record for most points scored by a 41-year-old with 31, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s previous mark of 25 points. LaRavia praised his veteran teammate, calling him a joy to watch.
The Lakers improved to 21-11, trailing the Denver Nuggets by one game for fourth place.
After a day off, Los Angeles will return to action on Sunday against Memphis, aiming to maintain momentum while balancing Bronny’s development in the G League.
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