When Bronny James stepped onto the court for the South Bay Lakers in November 2024, few expected him to average 21.9 points per game in his rookie season. But that’s exactly what happened — and it wasn’t just about the numbers. The 21-year-old guard, son of NBA legend LeBron James, didn’t just survive the grind of the NBA G League; he thrived. His performance in the 2024-2025 campaign, documented on the official NBA G League stats portal, signaled more than raw talent — it hinted at a future role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ long-term plans.
A Father-Son Moment That Changed NBA History
On October 22, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, basketball history was made. For the first time ever, a father and son played together in an NBA game. LeBron James, then 39 and entering his 22nd season, and Bronny James, a 20-year-old rookie, shared the floor against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The moment wasn’t scripted. It was earned. Bronny had spent months in training camp, fighting for a roster spot — and he got it. The crowd erupted. Cameras flashed. Social media exploded. It was more than a novelty; it was a generational milestone, 20 years and one month after LeBron’s own NBA debut.G League Grind: From Santa Cruz to the Big Stage
The South Bay Lakers, operating out of Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, California, became Bronny’s proving ground. Over 41 games between November 8, 2024, and March 28, 2025, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists — numbers that would make any college standout look elite. But the G League isn’t about stats alone. It’s about adjusting to men who move faster, hit harder, and think quicker. Bronny did. Head coach Paul Hewitt praised his work ethic, noting how Bronny stayed late after practice, studied film, and asked questions most rookies wouldn’t dare.His Player Impact Estimate (PIE) of 0.0? That’s misleading. The stat doesn’t capture leadership, defensive rotations, or how he drew double teams to free up teammates. The real metric? The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, kept him on the roster — and gave him minutes in the second half of close games. That’s trust.
Summer League: A Glimpse of What’s Next
Fast forward to July 2025. The 2025 NBA Summer League kicked off at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Bronny started against the Miami Heat — not as a curiosity, but as a key piece. In 11 minutes, he dropped 10 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and swiped 1 steal. He shot 42.9% from the field, 40% from three, and was perfect at the line. One highlight — a thunderous dunk at the 00:45 mark of the YouTube broadcast — sent the crowd into a frenzy. The transcript called it “a statement.”What stood out wasn’t just the scoring. It was his poise. His defensive stance. His willingness to take tough shots in traffic. “He’s improved his shooting touch and defensive instincts,” said the broadcast analyst. “And under pressure? He’s calm. That’s rare for a rookie.”
The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Strategy and the Road Ahead
The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t just developing Bronny — they’re building around him. Head coach JJ Redick, who took over in the offseason, made it clear in a July 15, 2025 media session: “We need perimeter defenders who can space the floor. Bronny’s got the tools.”His college career at the University of Southern California was brief — just one season — but it was enough to show NBA teams he could compete at a high level. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 draft, he was the last pick of the second round. Now? He’s on the radar for rotation minutes in 2025-26.
Training camp begins September 26, 2025, at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo. His first regular-season game? October 24, 2025, against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena. He won’t start. But he’ll play. And that’s progress.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about a star’s son getting a leg up. It’s about what happens when a franchise commits to development over hype. The Lakers didn’t draft Bronny for the headlines. They drafted him because they saw a player who could grow into a reliable two-way guard — someone who could defend, shoot, and make smart decisions under pressure. His G League numbers? Impressive. His summer league poise? Even more telling.And then there’s the legacy. LeBron James didn’t just pave the way — he walked beside him. No other NBA father-son duo has ever shared a court. No other father has ever watched his son take the floor in the same uniform, in the same league, under the same spotlight. That’s not luck. That’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bronny James’ G League stats compare to other rookies?
Bronny’s 21.9-point average was among the top five for all rookies in the 2024-25 G League season, surpassing even some first-round picks. Only three players averaged more than 20 points while playing fewer than 30 minutes per game — making his efficiency especially notable. His 5.5 assists also ranked in the top 10 among guards, showing he wasn’t just a scorer but a playmaker.
What does his Summer League performance mean for his NBA roster chances?
His 10-point, 40% three-point showing in just 11 minutes against the Heat proved he can handle NBA-level competition. With the Lakers thin at backup guard, and head coach JJ Redick prioritizing shooting and defense, Bronny has a realistic shot at making the opening-night roster. He’s not guaranteed a spot — but he’s no longer a long shot.
Why was his PIE (Player Impact Estimate) listed as 0.0?
The PIE metric on the G League portal was likely a data glitch or placeholder. PIE typically ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating greater impact. Bronny’s actual contributions — scoring, passing, defensive effort — suggest a PIE well above 20. The stat is unreliable in this context; his real impact is visible in game film and coach evaluations, not a glitched number.
What’s the likelihood Bronny plays in the NBA this season?
Based on current roster projections, Bronny has a 60-70% chance of making the Lakers’ 15-man roster for the 2025-26 season. He’s likely to start on the two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and G League. But with injuries common and the Lakers needing depth, he could earn 10-15 minutes per game in the rotation — especially in high-paced, three-point-heavy lineups.
Has any other father-son duo played in the NBA together?
No. The Jameses are the first. The closest precedent was Dell and Steve Kerr — father and son — but they never played on the same team. Other pairs like the Ayes and the McHales played in the NBA across generations, but never simultaneously. Bronny and LeBron’s shared court time on October 22, 2024, is a unique milestone in league history.
What’s next for Bronny James’ development?
The Lakers have assigned him a personal skills coach focused on shot mechanics and defensive footwork. He’ll also train with veteran guards like Austin Reaves to learn NBA pacing. His goal? Become a reliable 3-and-D guard by midseason. If he can improve his free-throw shooting (currently 83% in G League) and reduce turnovers, he could earn a guaranteed contract by the All-Star break.
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