Bronny James made his much-anticipated G League debut on Saturday, November 9, 2024, playing for the South Bay Lakers against the Salt Lake City Stars. Amidst the excitement surrounding his appearance, Bronny, the 20-year-old son of basketball superstar LeBron James, stepped onto the court and started the game, contributing to his team’s 110-96 victory.
James' performance, though not groundbreaking, revealed glimpses of his potential. He scored six points, hitting 2 of his 9 shots from the field, and struggled from the three-point line, going 0 for 4. Despite the rough shooting night, he found other ways to contribute, pulling down three rebounds, dishing out four assists, and recording two steals along with a blocked shot. "I haven’t been with the team as much as I can to figure out what my role is on the team. So I’m just going out and playing my game and just hooping,” James said reflecting on his early struggles.
Saturday's game marked the most action Bronny has seen since playing 35 minutes during the Lakers’ preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, where he had scored 17 points. His father, LeBron James, watched from courtside alongside his wife Savannah and their daughter Zuri, adding to the family atmosphere of the event. Bronny's grandmother, Gloria James, and several prominent Lakers players including Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell were also present, showing their support.
Adding to the family affair, during the Lakers’ season opener on October 22, Bronny and LeBron made history being the first father-son duo to play together. This season, Bronny is expected to spend substantial time developing his skills in the G League, according to LeBron and Lakers coach J.J. Redick, as he works on finding his spot within the team.
James got off to a promising start on Saturday by sinking his first shot, which was a pull-up jumper just 43 seconds after the game began. “I was just getting a bucket. It got to me and I just ... yeah. I didn’t miss,” he recalled with enthusiasm. His other basket came as he floated the ball expertly over defenders in the lane. He also added to his score with one free throw during the final quarter of the match.
The G League has introduced some intriguing experimental rules this season, including changes to free-throw shooting. For fouls occurring outside the last two minutes of play, players can earn two or three points for one foul shot instead of having to take multiple shots. This adjustment adds another layer of excitement to the already high-energy games.
Throughout the game, Bronny's passing skills stood out, particularly when he executed a clever lob to Kylor Kelley for an alley-oop before the first quarter ended. Midway through the second quarter, he showcased his defensive tenacity by partially blocking Isaiah Wong's layup, highlighting not just his offensive talent but also his commitment to team defense.
After the game, South Bay coach Zach Guthrie praised Bronny’s efforts, saying, “I think he did a great job dicting on the ball. He got the first bucket of the game ... He played great, he played unselfishly, he played within the flow of the game.” Highlights of his performance suggest there’s plenty of room for improvement, but also demonstrate the tools necessary for becoming successful at this level.
Despite not having a stellar shooting night, Bronny’s determination to improve and adapt within the G League showcases his maturity as he steps out of his father’s shadow. His transition to professional basketball will be closely followed by fans, analysts, and of course, his family. With significant support from his father and the entire Lakers team, Bronny James is set to continue refining his skills both on and off the court, laying the groundwork for what many hope will be a successful basketball career.
Interestingly, Bronny’s road to the G League wasn’t without hurdles. Earlier this year, he faced health challenges, including experiencing cardiac arrest during practice. Fortunately, he has made significant progress and has returned to play, which makes his debut all the more remarkable. His resilience and commitment to the sport not only inspire those around him but also serve as motivation for young athletes everywhere to overcome their struggles and pursue their dreams.
Following the success of his debut, expectations will undoubtedly rise for Bronny as he continues to hone his skills. South Bay Lakers fans, along with observers from across the league, are eager to see how he will adapt to the rigors of professional basketball, how he will leverage the lessons learned from both playing alongside and against elite players, and how he will pave his own path.
The story of Bronny James is just beginning, but with each game played, he takes more control of his narrative. For now, he remains grounded, focused on growth and development—an effort supported not just by his family and teammates, but by the entire basketball community. Whether Bronny finds his way to the NBA like his father before him remains to be seen, but for fans, the anticipation of seeing his evolution is already electric.
Moving forward, the South Bay Lakers’ roster is expected to give Bronny ample opportunities to showcase his abilities. The coaching staff remains committed to his development, allowing him to flourish as both an individual talent and as part of the team unit.