Bronny James had his first signature performance for the South Bay Lakers in the G League against the Valley Suns, as Bronny put up 30 points (13-23 FG, 3-9 3P), three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in a 100-106 loss. James put up a highlight reel of moments where he looked like a veteran, scoring at ease while also playing impactful defense.
Bronny had 13 points in the first half in an effortless offensive performance after a slow start to life as a scorer so far in his career, averaging 8.7 points on 29.4% from the field in the G League until this game.
Bronny James was COOKIN’ in the first-half! 😤
13 PTS | 3 3PM | 71% pic.twitter.com/Zx738qsbMK
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 13, 2024
He showcased his shooting ability during a stretch where he scored eight straight points, cashing in two threes and executing a smooth finish at the rim.
Bronny James is off to a HOT-START! 🔥 @Lakers draftee has 8 quick points for the @SouthBayLakers on ESPN+. pic.twitter.com/Xfm3JuvnxU
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 13, 2024
That wasn’t all, as James threw down a hellacious lob dunk as a 6’3″ guard in the first half as well.
BRONNY THROWS DOWN THE LOB.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 13, 2024
The best part about his performance was him taking over in the fourth quarter and trying to singlehandedly deliver the Lakers’ G League team a win tonight. He scored 11 points in the final quarter to keep South Bay in the game, ultimately leading to a six-point loss.
All the people who have believed in Bronny’s basketball ability instead of dismissing him as a beneficiary of nepotism will feel vindicated tonight, as Bronny looked objectively great. His scoring needs to be more consistent to give him a shot at earning a call-up to the NBA franchise on merit, but tonight showcased the best-case scenario with his abilities.
His defensive pressure was solid all night long as well, with Bronny showing flashes of the menace guard defender many scouts noted about him when he was in high school.
Bronny showing off the defensive talent people hoped for coming out of USC. Nicely timed athletic block. pic.twitter.com/N0ilgJsbks
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) December 13, 2024
This was his first road game of the G League season, earlier being expected to sit out all road games.
Bronny James went OFF tonight🔥
(🎥 @swishcultures_) pic.twitter.com/diQv5eNQIj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2024
Bronny Is Trying To Maximize His Game In The G League
Most casual NBA fans dismiss the G League as the NBA’s developmental league, but they do not know how brutal the grind in the G can be. Unheralded prospects, projected future top picks, and veterans who lost their spots in the NBA are all competing against each other in a very cutthroat environment.
Bronny has many protections in place to keep him in his bubble, but he made it clear that he is actively trying to improve his game as much as possible in the unique circumstances of the G.
“I think it’s good. Just game by game, just trying to learn everything that I can. Always just staying aggressive and playing my game. Playing for my teammates and the coaches. It’s been good.”
Bronny was never expected to be one of the top players in his class, not even gaining five-star recruit status until his final year in high school. His cardiac arrest greatly sidetracked his career and impacted his college stint with the USC Tigers.
People gave him little grace for returning from a health scare of that magnitude, but there’s clear potential in him that couldn’t initially be developed because of an eight-month-long break from all physical activity as he got his health on track.
If he continues embracing his opportunities in the G League, he could make the strides in his game required for him to have any sort of future in the NBA.
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