The 2024-25 NBA G League season has been a showcase for Bronny James, the highly-touted rookie and son of NBA legend LeBron James. Bronny has been making waves with his performances as a member of the South Bay Lakers, demonstrating why he was a coveted draft pick for the Los Angeles Lakers organization.
Standout Performances
Bronny James has had several notable outings for the South Bay Lakers, but none more impressive than his road debut against the Valley Suns on December 13, 2024. In a thrilling display of skill and determination, James erupted for a career-high 30 points, leading all scorers. His efficient shooting was displayed as he went 13-for-23 from the field, including three three-pointers. James’ all-around game was evident as he contributed three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in just 25 minutes of play.
This performance followed another strong showing on December 7, when James posted 16 points in 22 minutes, helping the South Bay Lakers secure a 119-111 victory against the San Diego Clippers. These games have highlighted James’ growing comfort and impact at the G League level.
More recently, James participated in the G League Winter Showcase, a pivotal event for players looking to make an impression on NBA scouts and executives. In the South Bay Lakers’ game against the Greensboro Swarm on December 21, 2024, James contributed 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Although the Lakers fell short in a 98-90 loss, James’ performance demonstrated his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
The excitement surrounding James’ development has led several offshore betting sites to offer prop bets on his G-League performances, putting the younger James under even more scrutiny.
Team Dynamics
The South Bay Lakers have had a challenging start to the season, with a record of 4-9 as of mid-December. However, the team has shown flashes of potential, mainly when James is on the court. Other notable players for the South Bay Lakers include Sir’Jabari Rice who the Lakers signed this season, and Solomon Young, who have provided scoring punch off the bench, each contributing 17 points in the game against the Valley Suns.
The team’s rebounding has been a strength, as evidenced by their 46-35 advantage on the boards in the game against the Suns. However, they have struggled with free throw disparities and maintaining leads, issues that must be addressed as the season progresses.
Bronny James
Bronny James’s journey to the NBA has been closely watched since high school. The Los Angeles Lakers selected him as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the team. This deal is notable for its guaranteed nature, which is uncommon for second-round picks and speaks to the Lakers’ confidence in James’ potential.
James’ rookie season has been a balancing act between development in the G League and limited minutes with the NBA squad. James has averaged less than 3 minutes per contest in his brief NBA appearances across seven games. However, his time with the South Bay Lakers has been crucial for his development, allowing him to showcase his skills and adapt to the professional level.
The young guard’s college career at USC was modest, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. His transition to the NBA was complicated by health issues, including a heart procedure last summer that affected his development. Despite these challenges, James has shown resilience and steady improvement in the G League.
A Historic Father-Son Duo
One of the most compelling narratives surrounding Bronny James is the opportunity to play alongside his father, LeBron James. The pair made NBA history on October 22, 2024, becoming the first father and son to play together in an NBA game during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This unique situation has garnered significant attention and adds intrigue to Bronny’s rookie season.
Lakers coach JJ Redick has emphasized the importance of Bronny’s development, stating, “We view Bronny as [a] Case Study One because [of] his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing. There’s a lot to like about his game. As we build out our player development program holistically, he will have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player”.
As the G League season progresses, all eyes will be on Bronny James and the South Bay Lakers. With his impressive performances and the potential for increased NBA minutes, James is poised to continue his growth as a player. The unique opportunity to learn from and play alongside his father, combined with the Lakers’ commitment to his development, sets the stage for what could be a remarkable career in the making.
