Since Bronny James was picked No. 55 by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA draft, fans and analysts alike have eagerly anticipated his journey, which officially began on Saturday as the South Bay Lakers kicked off their G League season. Though the South Bay Lakers' 110-96 victory over the Salt Lake City Stars didn’t have the grandeur of an NBA opener, it was a crucial starting point for Bronny's professional development, spotlighting his debut on the court.
It didn’t take long for Bronny to make an impact, with his first G League points coming just 43 seconds into the game. A smooth 17-foot baseline jumper, reminiscent of the calm and precision of seasoned pros, set the tone. "I was just getting a bucket," he shrugged, adding a bit of humility to the excitement. "It got to me, and I just... yeah. I didn't miss." While Bronny’s final stat line included 6 points on 2-for-9 shooting, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 5 turnovers over 31 minutes, it was clear this game was more about finding his footing and rhythm at a professional level than about stats.
The Growing Hype: Lakers' Support, Big Names in Attendance, and Fan Frenzy
The buzz around Bronny’s debut was undeniable, with NBA stars and Lakers officials turning up courtside to witness this next chapter in James family basketball history. The crowd saw Lakers head coach JJ Redick, team general manager Rob Pelinka, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell, all seated alongside LeBron and Savannah James, as well as Bronny’s younger sister, Zhuri. Bronny's gold No. 9 jersey with "James Jr." on the back was prominently displayed for sale—indicative of the massive anticipation around his career, even in the G League. Salt Lake coach Steve Wojciechowski captured this excitement well, noting, "When you see him out there, it’s exciting...it brings eyeballs to our league."
South Bay fans made their voices heard, with "We want Bronny!" chants filling the arena. And the rookie didn’t disappoint, showing poise and flashes of defensive potential that had South Bay's head coach, Zach Guthrie, praising his instincts. "He did a great job dictating on the ball," Guthrie commented. "He played unselfishly, within the flow of the game. And I thought, like all our guards, we defended at a high level. We talked about dictating. They weren’t comfortable in their offense."
Rookie Adjustments: Bronny Embraces the G League Challenge
For Bronny, the G League experience represents more than just game time. It’s a key developmental stage as he adapts to professional play, gaining the physical and mental edge required at higher levels. Despite a rough shooting night, Bronny's contributions were evident beyond the scoring column. Lakers two-way guard Quincy Olivari, who led the South Bay team with 28 points and assisted Bronny on his first bucket, applauded his performance. “I was just happy to see him get out there and show the world that he can play,” Olivari remarked, speaking to the rookie’s unyielding spirit amid high expectations.
The game marked just one step in a journey that will involve some back-and-forth between the G League and NBA roster, according to South Bay's president and CEO Joey Buss. The exact schedule for Bronny remains flexible, Buss explained, with factors such as development needs and practice dynamics playing into decisions. "We're going to do what's best for his development," he said. "There’s going to be a lot of things that we do for all the assignment players, and decisions are made based off where they are, based off the injury status, based off how many bodies they need for practice." For Bronny, this system is all about gradual growth, with a focus on consistency and skill-building.
An Iconic Legacy Begins: Learning Under LeBron’s Shadow
Growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest players of all time, Bronny James knows the weight of expectations that come with the last name. With his father’s legacy a constant reminder and source of motivation, Bronny is not just playing to carve out a spot in the NBA, but to establish his own identity on the court. This journey brings attention not just to him, but to the G League as a whole. Coach Wojciechowski emphasized this impact, saying, “It’s exciting for the G League, and it brings eyeballs to our league. We have one of the best leagues in the world... and his story is bringing attention not just to South Bay but the league in general and for the guys who play in the league.”
As Bronny’s debut season unfolds, he will continue balancing G League action with opportunities to join the Lakers, including Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors. The South Bay Lakers will hit the road next to face the Santa Cruz Warriors, followed by a matchup with the Stockton Kings in El Segundo.
A Unique Spotlight in the G League
In just his first outing, Bronny has already drawn immense attention, with tickets for South Bay’s opener selling out, marking only the sixth sellout in 24 home games last season. And it's not just fans filling seats—his fellow players, coaches, and even NBA officials are captivated by the story. Bronny himself is energized by the new experience and expressed excitement about the journey. "I've seen all the buzz from me going to the G," Bronny shared with a hint of pride. "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."
Although there are inevitable adjustments to be made, from shooting accuracy to managing turnovers, Bronny has already shown glimmers of the talent that has fans excited. And with his family and the Lakers organization providing unwavering support, it’s clear this is only the beginning. His defensive grit, the ability to move with purpose and control on the ball, and flashes of playmaking potential underscore that Bronny James is more than just a famous last name; he’s a serious prospect with his own set of skills to offer.
In a league that often goes under the radar, Bronny's presence is breathing new life and attention into the G League. With packed arenas, big-name appearances, and an undeniable media buzz surrounding his every move, Bronny James is doing more than just beginning his career—he’s helping to redefine the significance and excitement of the G League for both fans and players alike.
Login