Bronny James gave basketball fans a reason to buzz Thursday night during the South Bay Lakers’ G League matchup against the Valley Suns in Arizona. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie, playing in his first road game with the South Bay squad, delivered a show-stopping alley-oop dunk in the first half, lighting up social media and showcasing his potential.
The 20-year-old’s highlight-reel moment came as part of a strong performance, scoring 15 points on an efficient 6-for-8 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal by the midway point of the third quarter. This outing marked a significant improvement for Bronny, who had been averaging 8.7 points and shooting just 29.4% from the field across his first three G League games.
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Bronny’s viral dunk was quickly followed by another impressive play-a perfectly executed alley-oop pass to a teammate, earning him praise from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Bronny James starting to find his rhythm in the G League,” McMenamin reported. “He just had back-to-back possessions where he caught an alley-oop dunk and then threw an alley-oop dunk.”
The highlight-filled game is an encouraging sign for Bronny, who was selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft out of USC. After a slower start to his professional career, his breakout performance against the Valley Suns hints at the development fans and analysts have been hoping to see.
Bronny James’ viral dunk fuels buzz as he proves he’s more than a legacy
Social media erupted after the dunk, with fans marveling at Bronny’s athleticism and court awareness. “Like father, like son,” one user tweeted, drawing comparisons to his father, NBA legend LeBron James. Clips of the dunk racked up thousands of views within hours, fueling excitement about Bronny’s growth.
Bronny’s path to the NBA has been closely watched, and he has already appeared in seven games for the Lakers. However, his time in the G League has been crucial for refining his skills and adjusting to the professional level. His ability to excel in both leagues while navigating the pressures of his family legacy speaks to his poise and work ethic.
With performances like Thursday’s, Bronny is proving he has the tools to be more than just a name. As he continues to split time between the South Bay Lakers and Los Angeles, fans can expect even more electrifying moments from the rising star.
