Bronny James has made quite a splash in his rookie NBA season, already establishing himself as a noteworthy player despite spending a significant amount of time developing in the G League. The young guard, who is the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is garnering attention for his impressive performances, particularly a standout display against the Milwaukee Bucks.
On March 20, 2025, Bronny showcased his shooting skills by going 7-of-10 from the field during the game against the Bucks, including hitting 2-of-4 from three-point range. This effort not only led to a career-high 17 points for the rookie but also secured him a notable statistical milestone: in just 22 games, Bronny has made a total of six three-pointers. This achievement is particularly significant as it surpasses the five three-pointers made by Ben Simmons in 373 games throughout his eight-season career.
The contrast between Bronny's burgeoning career and Simmons's ongoing struggles has sparked heated discussions among NBA fans. Comments on social media have taken aim at Simmons, who has long faced criticism for his inability to develop a reliable jump shot.
Fans have expressed disbelief at Simmons' low three-point tally, with one user humorously commenting that if asked, he would have guessed that Simmons had made zero three-pointers. Another noted that the narrative surrounding Simmons, who was once the first overall pick in the NBA draft, has shifted dramatically after Bronny's quick early success with the Lakers.
Adding to the conversation, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has recognized Bronny's growth beyond mere scoring. After the game against the Bucks, Redick commented, “The biggest area of improvement is probably just his playmaking, and I don’t mean that just in terms of passing. But just his ability to play on and off the ball as a decision-maker, either as a scorer or a passer. And with that, his confidence level and level of aggression have grown. For a young player, those are two really important things.”
Redick's analysis spotlights how Bronny is adapting to the rigors of professional basketball and developing the skill set required to thrive in the NBA. As he continues to improve his decision-making and confidence, Bronny could potentially carve out a significant role within the Lakers' lineup moving forward.
The early success of Bronny James, particularly in surpassing a seasoned player like Ben Simmons in the three-point shooting category, has the potential to reshape perceptions about his impact in the league. While Simmons's well-documented struggles from beyond the arc lead many to draw comparisons, Bronny appears to be making a case for himself as a rising star in the NBA.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Bronny—specifically how he builds on this pressure-packed rookie year. His development might not only influence the Lakers' current roster but also insights into the generational talent that could eventually pave the way for even greater successes in the years to come. If Bronny continues to focus on refining his game and learning from seasoned players, he could prove that there’s a lot more to come from him in the NBA.
The contrast between Bronny's fast start and Simmons' ongoing challenges has helped to elevate the narrative around Bronny’s development as a skilled player in his own right, distinct from his father's established legacy. This season could very well be just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career ahead.
