Mar 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) defends in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks through the first half at Crypto.com Area. Necessary Credit score: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Pictures
LOS ANGELES — On an evening when not a lot went proper for the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James was the intense spot.
The oldest son of LeBron James set profession highs with 17 factors and 5 assists in his most intensive NBA minutes in a 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night time.
READ: NBA: Bronny James performs complete 4th quarter with loads of ups and downs
Together with his injured star father watching from the bench, James was the Lakers’ best offensive participant in a recreation through which they have been lacking their high 4 scorers due to harm. Bronny James was 7 of 10 from the sector, displaying the expansion and promise that makes head coach JJ Redick assured the 20-year-old can and can contribute as an expert.
“We’ve clearly monitored him within the G (League) and really feel like he’s, , in these type of finish recreation conditions when he’s gotten an opportunity to play with us, he’s been actually good,” Redick stated. “So not stunned by tonight.”
Mar 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers ahead LeBron James (23) fives guard Bronny James (9) and middle Alex Len (27) through the recreation in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucksduring the second half at Crypto.com Area. Necessary Credit score: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Pictures
James acquired the chance to play extra as a result of starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been every held out due to sprained proper ankles, becoming a member of LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (patella) in avenue garments. Necessary bench choices Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (proper groin pressure) have been additionally out.
READ: NBA: Bronny James reveals dad LeBron, Lakers he has a lot to study
With a lot scoring not in uniform, Bronny James tried to do his half to fill the hole. That included a memorable lengthy outlet cross to Markeith Morris for a layup late within the first half harking back to his legendary father.
“Gaining my confidence and acquire my comfortability over reps, , and getting on the market and benefiting from my alternative if it’s given, so simply being prepared always is the most important factor for me,” Bronny James stated.
Thursday marked the third time in his rookie season James has performed in no less than three straight video games, and Redick sees a rising consolation because the Southern California product will get extra time on the courtroom. James’ 29:53 of recreation motion was the third highest on the group, behind fellow rookie Dalton Knecht and fourth-year guard Jordan Goodwin.
With the Lakers throughly outmanned within the defeat, James was in a well-recognized place as the first focus afterward, a place Redick is aware of he’s able to deal with given his upbringing.
Redick recalled his response to James’ media classes on the NBA draft mix earlier than he had been employed as Lakers coach.
“I texted Bron and I used to be like, ’Man, Bronny has his head on straight,’” Redick stated. “Like, he will get it. And since Day 1, I’ve simply been impressed with the person who he’s.
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“It was apparent to me from the second, , I began spending time with him on the courtroom this summer time, he was actually going to be an NBA participant. And I nonetheless consider that. He’ll be an NBA participant.”
