On a challenging night for the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers, where little went as planned, Bronny James emerged as a standout player. The eldest son of basketball icon LeBron James achieved career highs, scoring 17 points and providing five assists during his most significant playing time in the NBA, despite the Lakers suffering a 118-89 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
With his father, LeBron James, sidelined due to injury, Bronny took center stage as the Lakers' most effective offensive player. The team was missing their top four scorers, which included notable players like Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, both out with sprained right ankles, along with LeBron and Rui Hachimura (patellar injury). In addition, key bench players such as Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt were also unavailable, creating an opportunity for Bronny to step up.
Bronny James demonstrated his skills with an impressive shooting performance, making 7 of 10 attempts from the field. His play included a memorable long outlet pass to Markeith Morris for a layup late in the first half, reminiscent of the incredible plays often associated with his father. “Gaining my confidence and comfortability over reps is essential, and I aim to take advantage of my opportunities,” Bronny stated, emphasizing his readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
Head coach JJ Redick has been closely monitoring Bronny's development, particularly during his time in the G League. Redick expressed confidence in Bronny's abilities, noting, “He’s been really good in those end-game situations when he’s had a chance to play with us.” The coach's faith in Bronny’s potential as a future NBA player is evident, as he pointed out that this performance was not a surprise given the young athlete's growth.
Thursday's game marked the third occasion this season that Bronny has played in at least three consecutive games. His 29:53 minutes on the court were the third highest on the team, trailing only fellow rookie Dalton Knecht and fourth-year guard Jordan Goodwin. Despite the team's struggles, Bronny has proven he can handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a focal point, a skill Redick attributes to his strong upbringing.
Reflecting on Bronny’s maturity, Redick recalled his impressions of the young player during media sessions at the NBA draft combine prior to becoming Lakers coach. “I texted Bron and said, ‘Man, Bronny has his head on straight,’” Redick noted. His confidence in Bronny's capabilities has only strengthened since they began working together in the summer, affirming that he believes Bronny is destined to succeed in the NBA.
As the Lakers navigate the challenges of injuries and team dynamics, Bronny James has showcased his potential, leaving fans and analysts excited about his future in the league.
