Bronny James continues to dazzle in the G League for the South Bay Lakers and had a message for his doubters after leading the team to a 122-118 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors on Monday. James had a career night against the Warriors and stated postgame that he wants to prove that he belongs.
“I belong out here, that’s all I’m trying to prove,” James said. “A lot of people said I don’t, but I just come out, work every day, try to get better every day, and improve myself every day.”
James, whom the Los Angeles Lakers selected with the 55th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, also admitted he is relishing silencing the doubters.
“All the criticism that’s thrown my way, it’s just amazing to shut all that down and keep going in my head,” James added.
James had a career-high 39 points (14-21 FG), to go with seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. This outing comes just days after the 20-year-old had a career night in the NBA against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20. James put up 17 points (7-10 FG), three rebounds, five assists, and a block against the Bucks and is slowly but surely proving the doubters wrong.
James followed up that 39-point outing by finishing with 17 points (5-18 FG), six rebounds, nine assists, and two steals against the Warriors on Tuesday. He is going to have some rough shooting nights as he isn’t a finished product, but he is finding other ways to impact the game when the shot isn’t falling.
After a rough start to life with the South Bay Lakers, James has now found his feet. He is averaging 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in the G League regular season, which is quite impressive. There are just two games left now, and James was also asked about his experience so far in the G League.
“Amazing, just coming out here and getting reps playing the game I love,” James stated. “… Nothing else I can ask for. Just coming in and playing basketball for my job, it’s amazing.”
James’ first season in the G League has ended up being better than expected. He’d be hoping to end it on a high with a couple more impressive outings.
Chris Paul Calls Out Bronny James’ Haters
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul is one of LeBron James‘ closest friends and has seen Bronny grow up close and in person as a result. During an interview with Taylor Rooks, Paul took a shot at the youngster’s haters.
“I’ve known Bronny since he was born,” Paul said. “… What I’m most proud of is to know how much work Bronny put in… Bronny just keep his head down and do the work. Anybody who hates on that situation and got a chance to see that is basically just envious and jealous.”
There could well be an element of jealousy involved. There’s been this notion that James only got to where he is today because of his father and that he doesn’t belong. James is starting to show now that he does belong, and if he keeps playing this well, then the doubters will be silenced for good.
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