Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James has shown significant improvement throughout the past year. Despite a slow start marked by struggles during the 2024 Summer League and limited impact in NBA appearances last season, his persistence and development have become evident, especially in the 2025 Summer League.

James gained essential experience playing as the starting point guard for the South Bay G League team, which has played a major role in his progress. At the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, he displayed clear growth, delivering his best performance with 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 6-of-10 shooting, including three made three-pointers. Currently, he averages 13 points and 3.3 assists per game during this Summer League.

Bronny James Attributes Progress to G League Experience and Increased Comfort

One of the key reasons behind Bronny’s recent improvement appears to be his growing comfort with the pace and flow of the professional game. Speaking on the Dime Dropper Pod, he acknowledged how time spent in the G League running the point guard position has helped him gain valuable repetitions:

“Yeah, for sure. I mean, it helped that I was in the G League running point guard most of the time. Just getting those reps in, and in Summer League, is helping. I’m just getting more comfortable game by game.” —Bronny James, Lakers Guard

His ability to better control the game pace has been a defining feature of his Summer League play, contributing to deeper decision-making and more effective offensive execution. This development could increasingly position him for a consistent role in the Lakers’ rotation during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Improvements on Both Ends of the Floor Highlight His Growing Impact

Bronny’s offensive skills have made noticeable strides as he refines his shooting and decision-making, though consistency with his three-point shot and reducing turnovers remain areas to improve. On defense, where he was already considered stronger, he has also elevated his performance, showcasing a well-rounded game.

The Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny with the 55th overall pick in 2024 seems justified given the pace of his development and the character he has displayed. Despite national scrutiny and frequent criticism, he has remained focused and committed to improvement, traits that teams highly value in a player.

Emerging as a Leader Within the Summer League Squad

Alongside his physical development, Bronny James is embracing a leadership role within the Lakers’ Summer League team. Even while regaining basketball shape over the summer, he has become a key figure in guiding and motivating teammates, drawing praise for his natural ability to lead.

Following his debut in the California Classic, James shared insight into his leadership mindset and how his teammates have responded positively to his presence:

“To be honest, just trying to go out there and be myself, I’ve always been told that I have a leader kind of personality, so just trying to go out there and be the right example for my team and everything else will follow. And the guys…we have an amazing group of guys that are very coachable and very good people so there’s no problem whatsoever when it comes to that.” —Bronny James, Lakers Guard

This emerging leadership role reflects both his increasing confidence and the respect he commands in the locker room, further signaling his readiness to contribute at a higher level.

Looking Ahead: What Bronny James’ Growth Means for the Lakers

Bronny James’ Summer League growth signals promising development for the Lakers as they prepare for the upcoming season. His expanded skill set, combined with enhanced leadership and experience gained in the G League, suggests he could become a reliable rotation player for Los Angeles. As he continues to improve, especially by addressing some remaining weaknesses, the Lakers stand to benefit from having a high-character young guard who is steadily adapting to the demands of professional basketball.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Bronny James score 30 points?

A. Bronny James achieved a personal best by scoring 31 points on Friday, helping the South Bay Lakers beat the Rip City Remix 122-110. He made 10 out of 22 shots, including 5 of 11 from beyond the arc, and contributed with three assists, two rebounds, and two steals, marking South Bay’s second victory of the season.

Q. Did Bronny James really score 30 points?

A. Bronny James was unstoppable with 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 67% shooting. This performance, his best in scoring yet, was his third time scoring over 30 points this season with the South Bay Lakers.

Q. Has Bronny James ever scored 25 points in a game?

A. During his debut home game on November 30, he contributed 25 points, leading to a 77–61 victory against Crossroads School.