Bronny James, the second-year guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrated notable development during the NBA Summer League on July 14, delivering a team-high 17 points, along with five rebounds and five assists. Playing 24 minutes against the Clippers, Bronny shot an efficient 60% from the field and recorded the best plus/minus rating on the Lakers with a +5 differential, signaling his increasing influence on the court.
During the first half alone, the 20-year-old was flawless in his shooting, converting all four of his attempts, including a perfect two-for-two from beyond the arc. These efforts highlighted his steadily improving offensive skills compared to his rookie season.
Strong Progress Following Rookie Year Challenges
After averaging just 2.3 points per game as a rookie, Bronny’s performance has drawn positive attention from fans and analysts who believe he is making a meaningful leap forward. One fan expressed confidence, stating,
“Bronny legit and I know it makes Bron haters sick as hell.”
Lakers beat writer Raj C. attributed Bronny’s growth to his valuable time spent developing with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he posted averages of 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season.
FS1 commentator Nick Wright also noted the importance of Bronny’s professional experience prior to the Summer League, saying,
He has had now close to 10 professional games better than any college game he had,
emphasizing that his freshman year struggles were linked to recovering from a cardiac arrest. Wright further explained the added pressure Bronny faced after exposure through his father LeBron James’ interaction with Stephen A. Smith, remarking,
It wasn’t the reason for it, and I defended LeBron vociferously on the right to do that, but in that moment, Bronny was kind of flying under the radar for the first time in a while, and then he wasn’t,
and added,
And the fact that Bronny responded to that by his best pro game and then trumped his best G league game with a legitimately excellent G league game is really impressive.
Focus on Defense Could Cement Role in Lakers Rotation
While Bronny’s offensive consistency remains a work in progress, his defensive potential is considered a key asset that could secure him playing time with the Lakers in the coming seasons. Ahead of the 2025 Summer League, Bronny shared with Lakers media his commitment to becoming a defensive force to increase his impact on the team.
He said,
To get myself on the floor, I’ve got to be a defensive menace,
highlighted by The Athletic’s Dan Woike. Bronny added,
That’s my main focus, getting conditioned this year. It’s been shown that I know how to score the ball a little bit, I’m staying true to that, but also focusing on the defensive end.
The young guard looks up to players like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, both known for their strong defensive play and unheralded entries into the NBA. White, who spent four years in college before joining the league, helped lead the Boston Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship, a testament to the type of impact Bronny hopes to achieve.
Implications for Bronny’s Future with the Lakers
Bronny James’ performance in this year’s NBA Summer League suggests he is beginning to unlock his potential and find his footing at the professional level. His improved scoring, bolstered by an emphasis on defensive prowess, could earn him a valuable role on the Lakers’ roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Having adjusted well from his rookie struggles and leveraging his G League success, Bronny’s growth is being watched closely by the Lakers organization and fans alike, who remain hopeful about his continued progress and long-term contributions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bronny James score 30 points?
A. Bronny James set a personal record by scoring 31 points on Friday, helping the South Bay Lakers defeat the Rip City Remix 122-110. He made 10 of his 22 shots, including 5 of 11 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he contributed three assists, two rebounds, and two steals in South Bay’s second victory of the season.
Q. Did Bronny James really score 30 points?
A. Bronny James was unstoppable, scoring 39 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. He shot 67% from the field. This is his highest-scoring game ever. It’s also his third game this season scoring over 30 points with the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers’ affiliate team.
Q. Did Bronny James get 32 points?
A. Bronny James shakes off his defender with a backward step and sinks a three-pointer, making his score 32 points for the South Bay Lakers.