Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Bronny James celebrated his G League road debut by setting a new career high in points.
James led the South Bay Lakers with 30 points in a 106-100 loss to the Valley Suns on Thursday night in Tempe.
bleacher report @BleacherReport
Bronny James tonight🔥🔥🔥
30 points
13-23 FG
3 3:00 p.m.
3 Lev
2 AST
First G League road game for the South Bay Lakers pic.twitter.com/FxxhfpDM1a
James led the team with 13 points in nine minutes of the first half and helped push the South Bay Lakers to a 12-point lead at intermission.
James added 17 points in the final two quarters, but the South Bay Lakers were unable to stop the Valley Suns from rallying late.
The rookie finished the game hitting 13-of-23 from the field. He also went 3-for-9 from behind the arch and added three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
James’ performance impressed fans who expected him to improve further with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft.
Corrie. @youngcorey
Brony dropped 30 PCs. I knew he would get there.
Dalitor @DaWriter
Bronny turned 30 tonight and I can’t find any account saying he’s not worthy…
Ali🦇 @AliEcomAdvice
Bronny James was constantly hated for carrying so much pressure, but now look at him slowly starting to get into a rhythm. Good game, Brony 🙏🏼🙏🏼
hub @KenHeLive
Bronny James is quietly finding his footing in the G League.
Keun Thomas Sr. @Dat_Damn_Wun
Bron asked Bronny to help him while he was away from his team.
lake show jerry @LakeShowJerry
Bronny seems to be getting more comfortable in the G League. 13 points in 9 minutes. Lead the team in points at halftime
H34Rt13zz @Garrett8489M
Brony is comfortable and confident in his shots, which is a good sign 💪🏾💪🏾
James played limited minutes in seven NBA games for the Lakers during his rookie season, most recently recording one block against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
He has played in three G League home games. He was averaging 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game heading into Thursday.
According to multiple reports, the Lakers previously expected James to only play in home games with the South Bay Lakers, so his trip to Arizona marks a departure from original plans.
The South Bay Lakers return to Mallett Arena on Friday night for their next game against the Suns. The Lakers will play a road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves that evening. It is not yet clear which team James will join.
It’s also questionable whether James’ father will play for the Lakers. LeBron James missed Sunday’s win over the Blazers with a sore left foot and missed Wednesday’s practice for personal reasons.
