LOS ANGELES, California — For young NBA player Bronny James, March 20, 2025, was a night to remember as he showed off his growth despite the Los Angeles Lakers‘ tough 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 20-year-old shooting guard scored a career-high 17 points, contributing along with three rebounds, five assists, and one block. He shot 7 of 10 from the field and netted 2 of 4 three-pointers while playing 30 minutes, earning accolades across social media.
Bronny’s performance came after a series of criticisms regarding his NBA readiness. Many critics highlighted that his statistics didn’t live up to expectations given the limited playing time he received previously. One fan noted, “Bronny continues to prove that if you give him 20 to 30 minutes, he’ll be productive on both sides. This is why people’s criticism of him is so disingenuous,” reflecting a growing acknowledgment of his talent.
Drafted as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny has always played in the shadow of his famous father, LeBron James, a basketball legend. The immense pressure of being LeBron’s son adds expectations that can be burdensome for many young players. However, Bronny remains focused on using this as motivation.
In his own words, Bronny said, “I try to just let it go through one ear and out the other, put my head down and come to work and be positive every day. But sometimes it just fuels me a little bit.”
Accusations of nepotism have surrounded Bronny since the Lakers selected him, with some suggesting that his father’s prominence helped him secure his spot in the league. On January 29, 2025, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith voiced concerns, saying, “I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.” This sparked a confrontation between LeBron and Smith after a game, highlighting how deeply those criticisms reach.
Despite averaging only 1.7 points in his first 22 NBA games, Bronny rebounded in the G League, showcasing his potential with averages of 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 16 games. His time in the minor leagues proved essential for his development.
GM Rob Pelinka praised Bronny’s evolution, describing him as a “3-and-D type of archetype” and expressing confidence in his growing role in the Lakers’ structure. “It’s great that JJ had the level of trust to throw him into a big game…and for him to be doing it in moments in NBA games, that’s great that he’s even grasped that already,” Pelinka remarked.
Coach JJ Redick also noted Bronny’s increased confidence and playmaking skills, saying, “Bronny has been fantastic in practices lately… His biggest area of improvement is probably his playmaking.”
Bronny’s journey has not been without challenges, including a serious health scare in summer 2023 when he suffered cardiac arrest. This experience pushed him to gain confidence in his abilities as he recounted, “After that scare, it’s been good for my confidence.”
As cheers continue to ring out for him during games, Bronny understands the weight of his surname. He sees the opportunities to impact the Lakers, and after his recent standout performance, it’s clear he values every chance he gets on the court.
Bronny is still discovering his identity as a player and person in a competitive environment where every move is scrutinized. Each game, especially moments like against the Bucks, offers him a platform for establishing himself in the NBA.
“He doesn’t seem to take a day for granted,” Pelinka added. “He really embraces every day, and you just love to have people like that in your program.” With a determination to succeed, Bronny looks forward to making his mark, aiming to prove he belongs, whatever the expectations tied to his family name.
