Bronny James, the rookie guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, delivered a standout performance Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, offering a glimpse of his potential in his debut NBA season. With his father, LeBron James, sidelined by a groin injury, Bronny seized the opportunity, playing 30 minutes and achieving career-high numbers in a 118-89 loss.
The 19-year-old scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, complemented by five assists and three rebounds. This breakout game not only marked a significant milestone for Bronny but also secured his place in Lakers history. According to StatMamba, he is the youngest Lakers rookie since Magic Johnson to record at least 17 points and five assists on 70% shooting, a historic accomplishment for the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
LeBron James and Luka’s reactions to Bronny’s outstanding play in his first full game in the NBA
His mother, Savannah James, also highlighted her son’s determination on Instagram, sharing a nine-word message: “Mean what you say, and say what you mean.” The statement echoed Bronny’s comments in a recent interview about tuning out external criticism and focusing on self-improvement.
He knows he has a chance to thrive
Beyond his performance on the court, Bronny’s mindset has been a point of inspiration. After the game, he spoke about capitalizing on the opportunity to display his hard work during his time with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. “I was given an opportunity tonight to go show them what I’ve been working on while I’ve been sitting on the bench, in the G League getting reps, stuff like that,” James said.
Although Bronny’s overall NBA stats-2.3 points per game on 35.4% shooting-have been modest, his G League play has demonstrated significant promise. In nine games with South Bay, he has averaged 20.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. These performances indicate a young player steadily finding his footing in professional basketball.
Bronny’s historic night may be just the beginning of what he can bring to the Lakers. With support from his family and the Lakers organization, the rookie guard is poised to grow and make his mark in the NBA. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his journey.
