Bronny James played the best game of his young career on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. James did not start but did receive starter's minutes (30). James finished with a career-high 17 points on 70% shooting from the field, to go with a career-high five assists, three rebounds, one block, and two made 3-pointers.
James played so well Thursday night, he became the youngest Lakers' rookie since Magic Johnson in 1979 to score at least 17 points on at least 70% shooting while recording at least five assists.
With the Los Angeles Lakers heading into Thursday's matchup with the Bucks without LeBron James (groin), Luka Doncic (ankle), and Austin Reaves (ankle), head coach, JJ Redick, was forced to utilize 10 players. Despite the Lakers falling to the Bucks 118-89, the NBA world saw a glimpse into the potential (Bronny) James possesses.
During his postgame press conference, Redick revealed James' ceiling in the NBA as he progresses through his career.
"We think [Bronny's] gonna be an above-average to really good NBA shooter"
JJ and the Lakers have high-hopes for Bronny's development pic.twitter.com/0Lg4CcAUl6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 21, 2025
"The next step I think is becoming an elite conditioned athlete because when he does that with his physical tools, just his burst, his handle, he's going to be an above-average to really good NBA shooter. He's gonna have a chance to really make a real impact," Redick said.
James played in his twenty-second NBA game of his career on Thursday night. His 30 minutes, 17 points, and five assists were all career highs. He is now averaging 2.3 points, 0.6 assists, and 0.6 rebounds in 5.8 minutes per game.
James' averages per 36 minutes are 14.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, highlighting the potential Redick is speaking on during his postgame press conference.
James should receive playing time above his season averages when the Lakers take on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night if (LeBron) James, Doncic, and Reaves remain sidelined.
Related: Bronny James Turns Heads Pulling Off Signature LeBron Play During Lakers-Bucks
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 11:09 PM.