Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, made waves during his first preseason game as the point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors. Taking center stage on October 18, 2024, Bronny showcased his skills and potential, finishing the game with 17 points, four rebounds, three steals, and one assist, marking this as his best performance yet as he continues to find his footing in the league.
Despite the Lakers suffering a crushing defeat—with the final score reading 132-74—Bronny's individual performance stood out. His stat line included shooting 7-of-17 from the field, with his initial three-point shot of the preseason hitting the mark. According to reports, Bronny's newfound aggressive playstyle was evident, as he executed clever moves to get to the rim, including acrobatic layups and effective escape dribbles, adding to the excitement surrounding his development as a player.
The Lakers chose to rest their full starting lineup for this preseason finale, giving Bronny and other young players significant court time. This opportunity was seen not just as preparation for the regular season but also as a chance for Bronny to stake his claim within the rotation, especially after struggling earlier during the summer league and preseason.
Fans and analysts alike quickly flocked to social media to express their admiration for Bronny's performance. Many recognized the immense pressure he faces as the son of one of the game’s greatest players, with one fan commenting, “I really feel for Bronny. The kid has been thrown in the deep end of the pool with no swimming lessons, all under watchful eyes.”
His head coach, JJ Redick, praised Bronny for showing both patience and progress, highlighting how important it is for young players to learn and grow through both good days and bad ones. Redick pointed out, “All the moments are building blocks—not just the good moments, the bad moments are learning opportunities.”
Prior to this game, Bronny had struggled with his shooting, entering the matchup with only eight points across the entire preseason. Nevertheless, he walked away with more confidence, acknowledging how this outing was key to his mental game moving forward. He stated, “It gives me just a little bit of confidence going to the season even though I might not be on the rotation.”
Notably, even though his 17-point scoring performance was satisfying, he also acknowledged the challenges and learning curves still present. “I feel like I'm just getting back to where I was,” said Bronny. Since suffering a cardiac arrest incident several months prior, there have been questions about his readiness and stamina. He reflected on the road leading up to this moment, noting how both fans and family have stood by him through it all.
The presence of NBA legend Stephen Curry also played a role during the evening. Although Curry was sidelined due to injury, he took time to offer Bronny valuable advice after the game. Sharing this insight, Bronny noted, "Mainly just him telling me to play my game and be myself. Also just giving some pointers on things to do in certain situations, but nothing too crazy.”
Magic Johnson, another Lakers icon, also chimed in after the game. He tweeted his support for Bronny, expressing his belief in the rookie’s developing talent and potential. Johnson pointed out the high basketball IQ, athleticism, and competitive spirit Bronny has shown, reasoning these are qualities NBA teams can’t easily teach.
Though the next test for Bronny and the Lakers will be the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, this performance has raised expectations and hope for the start of Bronny's career. The excitement around him isn’t merely about his name; it’s about the potential he has already begun to reveal on the court.
Looking back, Bronny’s preseason performance—and his ability to remain grounded under pressure—provides both fans and the Lakers organization much to look forward to. The mix of youthful tenacity combined with stellar mentorship from LeBron and other veterans could set the stage for Bronny's growth. Many believe he has the foundation laid out and now it's about building upon it as he transitions to the challenges of the regular season.
After months of uncertainty, medical hurdles, and the pressure of unrealistic expectations, Bronny has found his initial stepping stone against seasoned professionals. Now, he stands poised to take the next steps, whether it’s securing his place within the Lakers’ rotation or making impactful plays throughout the regular season.
So, as the Lakers gear up for what could be one of the most pivotal seasons not just for Bronny but for all of them, fans and onlookers alike will be watching with bated breath to see what strides he will take next. After all, forging one's path through the league is not just about numbers—it's about growth, confidence, and the ceaseless pursuit of excellence. The basketball world is ready to witness Bronny’s evolution from LeBron’s son to perhaps his own basketball legacy.
