Rookie Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers ended their preseason with a 132-74 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday, but the game’s outcome isn’t what most fans are talking about the morning after. Instead, it’s James’ 17-point performance in the best version we’ve seen from LeBron James’ son thus far. After Bronny’s bold attempt at Kevin Durant against the Suns had fans buzzing Thursday, the second-round pick went 7-for-17 from the floor, including 1-for-5 from deep, and finished with four rebounds, three steals, one assist, and one block in Los Angeles’ preseason finale.
After weeks of analysts and even former NBA players questioning the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny , James silenced his critics with a solid scoring effort. He was second to Quincy Olivari (22) for the team’s leading scorer in a game where both teams rested their respective starting lineups. After the game, some fans pleaded for the Lakers to give Bronny an entire season in the G League, while others believe Friday’s performance against the Warriors is a testament to his continuous growth in the NBA.
“If I’m the Lakers, I’d have Bronny James play: full season in the G League, 30 mpg in 2025 Summer League, at least 20 mpg next preseason. I’ve seen lottery picks go through the same struggles. In most cases, the problem is mental. He has the tools, but needs confidence,” one fan mapped out for the Lakers and their rookie, to which another replied , “He doesn’t have the tools! He wasn’t even a good college player! He wasn’t even really a contributing player on his college team at all. He should be playing as a 6th or 7th man in the rotation in college fight now.”…