With the short-handed Lakers facing the Heat Sunday night, a familiar yet unexpected name earned an early opportunity. Bronny James checked in for LA at the 4:16 mark of the first quarter and would go on to play 18 minutes in LA’s 130-120 win over Miami—including a six-minute stretch of the fourth quarter.
The 6’2” guard and son of LeBron James finished with two points, two rebounds and three steals in that span. His play was a bright spot considering the circumstances, and it may lead to more chances to prove doubters wrong this season.
Bronny James Showing Potential Amid Lakers Injury Woes
Bronny Earns Praise from Redick, Doncic
Head coach JJ Redick praised James Jr.’s effort in a postgame interview with BasketNews.
“I thought he was really good on the ball. He got a steal off the ball, but I thought he was good on the ball. Now I’ve seen it twice over the last week or so — he was really just a force in terms of containment and physicality. Then he made arguably the play of the game: when Luka was double-teamed, he was the next guy, drove the closeout, got to the paint, read the defense, and ended up getting his teammate a wide-open three. So just a really good building block for him — playing a very meaningful game, playing in the fourth quarter, and making really good plays.”
The play in question was when Bronny found Marcus Smart in the left corner during the fourth quarter, with Smart’s three giving the Lakers a 114-107 lead.
Look at Bronny and Smart making plays out here!
(
: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/niv2ARioB7
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) November 3, 2025
Sunday’s contest marked Bronny’s fourth appearance and the second-most minutes he’s played so far. He even recorded his first points of the season, finishing a transition lob from Austin Reaves.
Luka Doncic was also quick to highlight James Jr.’s contributions in the fourth quarter, saying: “He was great. … In those kinds of moments, you never know if you’re gonna play or not. He was ready, and that means a lot to us. And he was ready to go at the right moment. … He was great defensively, and, you know, we expect him to do that, and it was amazing.”
Bronny James’ Role Going Forward
While James Jr. won’t see similar chances when Gabe Vincent returns, Sunday’s game was a glimpse into what he can provide in the short term: an athletic two-way guard with a high basketball IQ who takes pride in earning stops. Fans appeared to enjoy Bronny’s defense but noted he could be more confident as a scorer.
Bronny James on-ball defense has been amazing in this game outside of a dribble to drive from Jaime Jaquez.
He’s finally starting to understand it, now we need is more C&S pic.twitter.com/yxTxo8nn7M
— BKS Sports (@BKSecretsports) November 3, 2025
James has recognized he must be a “defensive menace” to earn minutes. His commitment to that end is crucial with the Lakers missing a point-of-attack defender in Vincent. The offense and assertiveness, meanwhile, will certainly come with time. But judging by his past performances with the Lakers and their G League affiliate, he is not shy about putting the ball in the basket, effectively creating shots for himself and others.
The Lakers will need all hands on deck as they recoup from early injuries, and Bronny could be a key beneficiary if he maximizes his current opportunities.
© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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