Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James appeared in his 22nd NBA game in Thursday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers were very shorthanded in this game, as both LeBron James and Luka Doncic were sidelined.
Due to multiple key players being out for Los Angeles, James received a career-high 30 minutes of playing time. Making the most of this opportunity, the former USC guard finished the game with 17 points, three rebounds and five assists on 7-for-10 from the field.
This performance from James topped his previous NBA career-high in scoring which was the nine points he scored on Feb. 12 against the Utah Jazz.
James' strong showing came in a 118-89 loss, as Giannis Antetokounmpo's 28 points led Milwaukee past the shorthanded Lakers. That said, it was a historic performance from James on Thursday night.
With his final line, James became the youngest Lakers rookie since Magic Johnson to tally at least 17 points and five assists while converting on 70% or better from the field (via StatMamba on X).
Bronny James tonight:
17 PTS
5 AST
70% FG
The youngest Lakers rookie to reach these numbers in a game since Magic Johnson (1979). pic.twitter.com/cZ1LonoesC
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) March 21, 2025
Having worked on his game in the G League, James has averaged 20.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists his nine regular-season games for the South Bay Lakers (via NBA G League stats). Showing off some of that development Thursday night, James had his best performance at the NBA level.
Drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, James has moved back and forth between South Bay and Los Angeles. Getting an increased opportunity with his father and others sidelined, the 6-foot-2 guard had a career night.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 10:21 PM.