The anticipation was palpable as Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, took the court for his G League debut with the South Bay Lakers on Saturday night. The 20-year-old rookie guard, who was selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the June draft, has been eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike.
In a sold-out game at the Lakers’ practice facility, Bronny wasted no time making his presence felt. Just 43 seconds into the contest, he drained a smooth 17-foot baseline jumper for his first G League points. “I was just getting a bucket,” Bronny said after the game, exuding confidence. “It got to me and I just … yeah. I didn’t miss.”
A Solid All-Around Performance
While his final stat line may not jump off the page – 6 points on 2-for-9 shooting, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 5 turnovers in 31 minutes – Bronny’s impact went beyond the numbers. He showcased his defensive prowess, earning praise from South Bay coach Zach Guthrie. “I think he did a great job dictating on the ball,” Guthrie noted. “He played great, he played unselfishly, he played within the flow of the game.”
Bronny’s teammates were equally impressed. Two-way guard Quincy Olivari, who led South Bay with 28 points and assisted on Bronny’s first basket, was thrilled to see the rookie perform. “I was just happy to see him get out there and show the world that he can play,” Olivari said. “I think I’m a big advocate on pushing that he’s a great basketball player, and that the criticism he gets is unfair.”
The Bronny Effect
The hype surrounding Bronny was evident in the sold-out crowd, which included not only his famous father but also Lakers coach JJ Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, and stars Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell. The attention Bronny generates is undeniable, as “We want Bronny!” chants have become a regular occurrence at Lakers road games this season.
It’s one of the great stories in basketball. When you see him out there, it’s exciting. It’s exciting for the G League and it brings eyeballs to our league.
Salt Lake City Stars coach Steve Wojciechowski
The G League, often considered the third-best league in the world after the NBA and EuroLeague, serves as a proving ground for future stars. Bronny’s presence is not only a boon for the South Bay Lakers but for the league as a whole, drawing unprecedented attention and interest.
The Road Ahead
As Bronny navigates his rookie season, splitting time between the Lakers and the G League, his development will be closely monitored. South Bay president and CEO Joey Buss emphasized that Bronny’s schedule will be fluid, prioritizing what’s best for his growth as a player.
For Bronny, the G League represents an exciting opportunity to hone his skills and prove himself at the professional level. “I’ve seen all the buzz from me going to the G,” he acknowledged. “It’s just an amazing experience for me to go out and play my game and get some minutes under me. I’m just excited for it.”
As the basketball world watches Bronny’s journey unfold, one thing is certain: his G League debut was just the beginning of what promises to be a captivating story. With his talent, pedigree, and the unwavering support of his famous family, Bronny James is poised to make his mark on the game he loves.
Bronny’s teammates were equally impressed. Two-way guard Quincy Olivari, who led South Bay with 28 points and assisted on Bronny’s first basket, was thrilled to see the rookie perform. “I was just happy to see him get out there and show the world that he can play,” Olivari said. “I think I’m a big advocate on pushing that he’s a great basketball player, and that the criticism he gets is unfair.”
The Bronny Effect
The hype surrounding Bronny was evident in the sold-out crowd, which included not only his famous father but also Lakers coach JJ Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, and stars Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell. The attention Bronny generates is undeniable, as “We want Bronny!” chants have become a regular occurrence at Lakers road games this season.
It’s one of the great stories in basketball. When you see him out there, it’s exciting. It’s exciting for the G League and it brings eyeballs to our league.
Salt Lake City Stars coach Steve Wojciechowski
The G League, often considered the third-best league in the world after the NBA and EuroLeague, serves as a proving ground for future stars. Bronny’s presence is not only a boon for the South Bay Lakers but for the league as a whole, drawing unprecedented attention and interest.
The Road Ahead
As Bronny navigates his rookie season, splitting time between the Lakers and the G League, his development will be closely monitored. South Bay president and CEO Joey Buss emphasized that Bronny’s schedule will be fluid, prioritizing what’s best for his growth as a player.
For Bronny, the G League represents an exciting opportunity to hone his skills and prove himself at the professional level. “I’ve seen all the buzz from me going to the G,” he acknowledged. “It’s just an amazing experience for me to go out and play my game and get some minutes under me. I’m just excited for it.”
As the basketball world watches Bronny’s journey unfold, one thing is certain: his G League debut was just the beginning of what promises to be a captivating story. With his talent, pedigree, and the unwavering support of his famous family, Bronny James is poised to make his mark on the game he loves.
