Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers traveled to the Mile-High City to take on the Denver Nuggets.
In a game without key players Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers relied heavily on their depth to fill major roles. One such player stepping up was USC's Bronny James.
Coming off the bench for 15 minutes, Bronny contributed five points, two rebounds, and one steal in what turned out to be a narrow loss for the Lakers.
Despite the heckling from fans throughout the game, Bronny showcased his composure. When one particularly vocal heckler caught his attention, Bronny shut it down with a simple response.
"Yo chain fake," said James.
Bronny has been impressive in the G League, averaging 20.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. However, the transition from the G League to the NBA has been anything but smooth.
After being selected with the 55th pick in the NBA draft, he has faced an outsized amount of criticism, unique even for a rookie.
The relentless media spotlight on Bronny magnifies every move he makes. Sharing the court with his father, LeBron James, while historic, has only intensified this scrutiny.
From social media to sports networks like ESPN and TNT, it seems everyone has something to say about Bronny's performance-whether it's his game, his words, or his moves away from the hardwood.
Despite this overwhelming attention, Bronny remains focused on improving his game. His strong performances in the G League reflect his dedication and growing confidence whenever he's called up to the NBA.
With time, Bronny is proving he has the tools to carve out his own path in basketball.
Related: Bryce James Defends Bronny James' Legacy
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This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 1:51 PM.