Bronny James made waves during his debut road game with the South Bay Lakers on Thursday night, September 12, 2024, scoring an impressive career-high of 30 points. This standout performance came during the Lakers' matchup against the Valley Suns, where though they lost 106-100, James shone brightly on the court.
Playing at Mullett Arena located near Arizona State University, the 20-year-old showcased remarkable skills and versatility. He shot 13-for-23 from the field, including three 3-pointers out of nine attempts. Alongside his points, he contributed with three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block during his 25 minutes of game time. This performance stands as a major milestone, especially as it greatly surpasses his previous record of 16 points set just days earlier.
From the beginning, James was electric, quickly becoming the focal point of the game. He not only drained two off-the-dribble three-pointers but also executed flawlessly with high-intensity moves, displaying his athleticism through alley-oops and skillful finishes at the rim. His ability to hit mid-range jumpers and even block a three-pointer illustrated the depth of his skills. "A career-high night for Bronny James!" noted the Lakers' social media feed, highlighting the significance of his effort.
James, the oldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has been under the spotlight since entering the league as the 55th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. His recent injury—a bone bruise on his left heel—had kept him off the court for several weeks, but following recovery, he seems to be making excellent strides during this G League season.
Throughout the young season, Bronny had averaged 8.7 points before this breakout game, showcasing visibility issues as he adjusted to professional basketball. Having only appeared sparingly for the Lakers’ varsity team, with his most game time being less than three minutes, this G League stint has provided him with invaluable playing experience.
The South Bay Lakers started strong, asserting themselves early on by outpacing the Suns with a leading score of 32-19 at the end of the first quarter. Despite this, the Suns rallied back with notable performances from players like TyTy Washington Jr., who led the Suns with 24 points and six rebounds. This disparity led to the Lakers' eventual shortfall, taking away from Bronny's otherwise fabulous night.
Interestingly, this game marked not just James's personal achievement but also highlighted broader discussions about the treatment of players, especially those from high-profile backgrounds. Fans and media alike took note of the league's earlier decisions limiting James's appearances to home games only. Concerns were raised about the perception of preferential treatment due to his iconic father’s status, but sources within the league emphasized the need for more game reps to refine his skills, stating, "That was the decision at the time; more reps are good for James." With enthusiastic support from the audience, this game saw James responding positively to the challenge, capturing both the attention of his fans and critics.
Looking at averages this season, Bronny is steadily improving with figures of 14 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, showing potential and growth week by week. His development is under close watch—not just by fans, but also by aspiring athletes who see his steady rise as inspiration. His father, LeBron, remains hopeful yet cautious, taking extra care with Bronny's transition to professional basketball, as LeBron himself continues to grapple with injuries this season.
Following the game, James's G League assignment continues to draw interest, and as he prepares for their next matchup, the Lakers are optimistic about his growing role within the NBA sphere. The upcoming NBA G League Winter Showcase scheduled from December 19 to 22 will not only highlight Bronny’s talents but will provide him with another avenue to display his determination and skills on the national stage. With family legacy at play and the ever-present headlines, Bronny James seems to be crafting his own narrative, proving step by step, shot by shot, he is ready to stand on his own within the exhilarating world of professional basketball.