Bronny James delivered his most impressive professional performance Wednesday, scoring 30 points to lead the South Bay Lakers past the Valley Suns 112-104 in G League action, showcasing the potential that made him a second-round NBA draft pick.
The rookie guard, son of Lakers star LeBron James, connected on 13 of 23 field goal attempts, including three three-pointers. His efficient scoring marked a dramatic improvement from his 8.7-point average across previous G League appearances.
“Everything was flowing tonight,” James said after the game. “My teammates kept finding me in good positions, and I just tried to stay aggressive. The game is starting to slow down for me.”
The breakout performance included three rebounds, two assists and a steal in 32 minutes of action. A second-quarter alley-oop dunk energized the crowd and highlighted his athletic ability, drawing comparisons to his father’s early career highlights.
South Bay Lakers coach Miles Simon praised James’s development. “He’s putting in the work every day. Tonight showed what he’s capable of when he plays with confidence. His defensive positioning has improved significantly since training camp.”
The 2024 second-round draft pick has split time between the NBA and G League this season, appearing in 12 NBA games with the Lakers while continuing his development in South Bay. He made history earlier this year as part of the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.
Basketball analyst Marcus Thompson sees significance in the timing. “This performance could accelerate his development timeline. The Lakers have been patient with his progression between leagues, but games like this might earn him more NBA minutes.”
James’s shooting efficiency marked particular improvement, jumping from 29% in previous G League games to 56% Wednesday night. His three-point shooting also showed progress at 3-for-9, above the G League average of 32%.
NBA scout Sarah Martinez notes his evolving game. “His court vision stands out. Even beyond the scoring, he’s making the right reads in pick-and-roll situations. That’s crucial for his NBA projection.”
The performance caught attention across the league. Several NBA players, including Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum, shared congratulatory messages on social media. LeBron James posted “That’s my boy!” with crown emojis after the game.
G League president Michael Brooks highlighted James’s impact on league visibility. “When talented young players use the G League to develop, it strengthens our entire ecosystem. Tonight’s crowd was one of our largest this season.”
Statistics reveal James’s steady progression. His scoring average has increased monthly since October:
– October: 5.3 points per game
– November: 8.7 points per game
– December: 15.2 points per game (including Wednesday’s performance)
South Bay team officials report increased ticket inquiries following Wednesday’s game. The team’s social media engagement rose 300% after highlights of James’s performance went viral.
Former NBA guard and player development coach Ray Williams sees long-term potential. “What impresses me most is his poise. He’s handling immense pressure while showing steady improvement. That mental strength will serve him well.”
The South Bay Lakers return to action Saturday against the Santa Cruz Warriors, where James looks to build on his career night. The game marks their final home appearance before a four-game road trip.
Team sources indicate James will continue splitting time between the NBA and G League, with performance determining his role. His development remains a priority for the Lakers organization as they balance present needs with future potential.
