In what was a tough and largely unremarkable night for the Los Angeles Lakers, there was one notable exception—Bronny James. The 20-year-old son of LeBron James emerged as the Lakers’ brightest star during their 118-89 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. In a game where the Lakers were missing their top four scorers due to injury, Bronny rose to the occasion, putting together his most impressive performance yet in his rookie season.
James finished the game with career highs of 17 points and five assists while playing a season-high 29 minutes and 53 seconds. His shooting was particularly impressive, hitting 7 of his 10 attempts from the field, showcasing a promising offensive skill set that made head coach JJ Redick confident in his future as a professional player. With LeBron James sidelined due to a groin injury, and the Lakers already missing key players such as Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers’ bench was heavily depleted. In light of this, Bronny James’ contribution was a bright spot in an otherwise bleak performance.
“We’ve obviously been monitoring him in the G League, and in the opportunities he’s had to play with us, he’s done really well in those end-game situations,” Redick commented. “So, tonight’s performance didn’t come as a surprise to me.”
The Lakers were severely short-handed on Thursday night, missing most of their usual starting lineup. However, Bronny stepped into the void left by these absences, proving that he’s capable of stepping up in the most challenging circumstances. Although the Lakers were unable to come away with a win, Bronny’s performance highlighted his ability to handle significant responsibility on the court. His offensive production included a memorable assist—a long outlet pass to Markeith Morris for a layup—that harkened back to some of the legendary plays made by his father, LeBron.
“I’m just trying to gain confidence and comfortability over time,” Bronny said after the game. “It’s all about getting those reps, being ready, and taking advantage of the opportunities I’m given.”
Thursday’s game marked the third time in his rookie season that Bronny has appeared in at least three consecutive games, a sign of the growing trust the coaching staff has in him. This is a significant step in his development as a player. His 29:53 of playing time was the third-most on the team for the night, behind only rookie Dalton Knecht and fourth-year guard Jordan Goodwin, highlighting his increasing role on the team. His performance under pressure is something that has caught Redick’s attention, and the coach believes that Bronny’s trajectory is positive.
“I texted Bron after the draft combine when I heard his interviews, and I said, ‘Man, Bronny has his head on straight,’” Redick recalled. “He’s mature for his age. He understands what’s required to succeed in the NBA. And since Day 1, I’ve been really impressed with him both on and off the court.”
Despite being just a rookie, Bronny has shown maturity beyond his years, not only in his play but also in his demeanor. This was clear from his early interactions with the media during the NBA draft process, which impressed Redick. “From the moment I started spending time with him on the court this summer, I knew he was going to be an NBA player,” Redick continued. “I still believe that. He’s not just going to be an NBA player—he’s going to be a really good one.”
Bronny’s performance came at a time when the Lakers’ fortunes were grim. With so many key players sidelined, the Lakers struggled to keep up with the Bucks’ offensive firepower. Despite Bronny’s individual success, the Lakers were outmatched, and the team faced yet another tough loss. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Bronny’s development continues to be a bright point for the Lakers, with his performance indicating he’s becoming more comfortable with each game.
“It’s great that I’ve had the chance to play more minutes,” Bronny said. “I feel like I’m becoming more comfortable with each game, and I’m just excited to see how I can continue to contribute. It’s all about taking what I’ve learned and applying it on the court.”
What’s even more promising is that this performance didn’t come in a vacuum. While the Lakers are struggling with injuries and have had to lean on their bench more than ever before, the trust being placed in Bronny speaks volumes. It’s rare for a player so young to be put in such a crucial position, but Bronny has shown he’s capable of handling the responsibility.
The Lakers organization has long known that the spotlight will always follow Bronny, given his father’s status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. However, what’s become evident in recent weeks is that Bronny James isn’t simply riding on his father’s coattails—he’s carving out his own path. His blend of skill, maturity, and poise on the court shows that he’s ready for the professional stage, despite being thrust into a season full of challenges for the Lakers.
For Redick and others in the Lakers’ coaching staff, Bronny’s future is undeniably bright. His ability to step into such a prominent role in his rookie season bodes well for what’s to come. As the season progresses and the Lakers hopefully return to full health, Bronny will continue to get chances to show what he can do in the league. As for Bronny himself, he remains focused on staying grounded and improving every day.
“I just need to keep putting in the work and learning from these experiences,” Bronny said. “The goal is always to get better and to help this team in any way I can.”
With his performance on Thursday night and the confidence shown by his coaching staff, it’s clear that Bronny James is well on his way to fulfilling his NBA potential.
