The NBA G League has often served as a proving ground for emerging talent, and Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Bronny James is no exception. The 20-year-old, who once dazzled crowds at USC, has been making waves with the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the storied NBA franchise.
A New High in the Valley
Bronny James’ recent performances against the Valley Suns—the Phoenix Suns’ NBAGL team—have caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts and scouts alike. Over two consecutive games on the road, James averaged 23 points, showing not just his scoring ability but also contributing across the board with 2.5 rebounds, two assists, and 0.5 blocks per game.
His most notable game came just this past Friday night. Despite the South Bay Lakers falling 102-91 to the Valley Suns, James made a significant impact, scoring 16 points, including two three-pointers, and adding two rebounds and two assists to his stat line in 26 minutes of play. His performance, although marked by a -7 plus-minus, highlighted his potential and resilience on the court.
Career-Best Performance in Back-to-Back Games
The game before, James truly shined, setting a personal G League career-high with 30 points on an efficient 13-of-23 shooting. This standout performance in the Lakers’ 106-100 loss not only solidified his reputation as a scorer but also demonstrated his growing comfort and assertiveness in professional play.
New Team Dynamics
Adding to the team’s dynamics, veteran NBA point guard Devonte’ Graham, who was signed just before these games, started alongside James. Graham, with his six years of NBA experience, brought stability and leadership to the backcourt, scoring 19 points and contributing six assists and five rebounds in his 37 minutes on the court.
The Lakers’ Strategy with Bronny James
The Lakers organization has been carefully planning Bronny James’ career trajectory. Initially, the plan was to have him play primarily in South Bay’s El Segundo home games. However, his recent road games against the Valley Suns have provided him with a platform to develop his skills further and adjust to the professional game’s demands and pace.
These games not only serve as a developmental tool for James but also offer the Lakers valuable insights into how best to integrate his talents with the main squad’s strategic needs. As Bronny continues to evolve and adapt, his journey from college star to professional athlete remains a key narrative in the G League this season, signaling promising prospects for his NBA future.
Bronny James’ impressive outings in the G League are a testament to his potential and the Lakers’ investment in nurturing young talent. With each game, James is not just following in the footsteps of his legendary father, LeBron James, but also carving out his own path in the basketball world. As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on this promising young athlete as he strives to translate his G League success into NBA stardom.