For a player who doesn’t see the court all that often, Bronny James is talked about almost as much as his dad. Leading up to last year’s draft, social media buzzed about the possibility of a first ever father-son duo more than any other topic except Victor Wembanyama. When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny as a freshman with the 55th pick, many criticized them for wasting their selection on a player with little star or, some said, even starting lineup potential, all in the name of nepotism.
And then, of course, came the viral courtside interaction between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, who has frequently joined the Bronny bashers in questioning whether he has a place in the league.
So far this season, Bronny has bounced between the Lakers and the G League. Before Thursday night, he had appeared in 21 games this season averaging 4.7 minutes and 1.6 points. He had reached double figures exactly zero times. All that changed Thursday versus the Bucks.
Bronny James Capitalizes on Opportunity
Going up against Milwaukee without LeBron, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith or Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers essentially played a scheduled loss. The 118-89 final score doesn’t even look that bad considering they were missing their four best players and two key role players.
Naturally, there were a lot more minutes to go around for others. LA’s starting lineup featured Jordan Goodwin at shooting guard and Markieff Morris at power forward. Not exactly regulars.
With guys like Goodwin and Morris in the starting five, the far end of the bench also saw some extended run. Bronny logged 30 minutes of action, third most on the team and nearly double his previous high. He set career bests in every category, finishing with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. He made 7 of 10 shots from the field and went 2-4 on threes.
Fans at the Crypto Center probably weren’t expecting a win, and the game was only politely close through halftime, but Bronny, an attraction even during road games, made sure the home crowd was entertained.
Bronny Supporters Troll Smith After “Breakout”
On social media as well, Bronny fans voiced their support and glee, aimed particularly at Smith and his critiques.
17 points. 7-10 FG. 5 assists. 3 rebs. I’d say that’s really solid
Bronny looks like he belongs to the NBA. Take that @stephenasmith
— JBond 🍌 (@jbondwagon) March 21, 2025
There was never a doubt just a question of WHEN the breakout will occur, & it was tonight! 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoops Enjoyer (@hoopsenjoyer515) March 21, 2025
I was trolling him for getting drafted but any logical person can see a very much improved and real NBA level basketball player
— rodlo 🪬 (@roddystr) March 21, 2025
@stephenasmith we all expect a 10 minute breakdown of his highlights on Monday just like you did when he played 10 garbage time minutes and you begged Lebron as a father to stop this
— HIS EXCELLENCY (@RAREPALACE) March 21, 2025
stephen a smith at home right nowpic.twitter.com/Sv7IoSnbHj
— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) March 21, 2025
Bronny probably won’t see many opportunities again this season like the one he did Thursday with Lakers starters essentially taking the night off. But that’s ok. Notching his first double digit night in the NBA, on efficient shooting splits against a real team, is a solid start. First Take viewers should look forward to what Stephen A. has to say on Friday morning.
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