Bronny James had a much better showing for the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night than he did on Tuesday.
Two nights ago, Lakers coach JJ Redick gave James his first extended first half minutes during LA’s 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. It didn’t go well; in 15 minutes, James shot 0-for-5 from the field, including 0-for-3 from 3-point range, with three turnovers. In the first quarter, James was -9 in four minutes, struggling to cover 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey.
“Maybe put him in a tough spot,” Redick told reporters after the game. “Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G [League].”
Tonight was much better. After his father LeBron and the Lakers regulars built up a commanding lead over the lowly Washington Wizards, Bronny played the entire fourth quarter, finishing with a career-high five points.
The second-round rookie shot just 1-of-6 from the floor, but hit all three free throw attempts and added two rebounds, two assists and a steal while not turning the ball over. He even received some “M-V-P” chants at one point, even though the Lakers were on the road.
The chants happened when James went to the free throw line with six seconds remaining in the 134-96 win.
Lakers fans showing Bronny love with MVP chants in DC ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/hJhh94k1Gh
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) January 31, 2025
Bronny is not ready to be a rotational piece or even a regular NBA player–he’s spent much of his time in the G League–but tonight’s showing had to make him feel more comfortable and relaxed.
“Obviously, it’s his first extensive minutes with us,” LeBron James said of his son on Tuesday. “We had that first game where it was just a moment … and that was a great moment. But tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, be with the big club, and he’s going to continue to use that and get better and better.”
The Lakers are back in action at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night against the New York Knicks.
Related: Stephen A. Smith Has Request For LeBron James After Bronny’s Rough Performance