Bronny James’ 30-point night nearly doubles career high in South Bay Lakers win

Bronny James, rookie guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, delivered the most impressive performance of his young career on Thursday night in his first G League road game.

The 20-year-old scored a game-high 30 points for the South Bay Lakers in a 106-100 loss to the Valley Suns. James shot 13-of-23 from the field, including 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, while adding three rebounds, two assists, one steal and a blocked shot in 25 minutes.

The breakout game was a significant milestone for James, who has struggled with limited opportunities and injuries in his rookie season. Drafted 55th overall in June, James has appeared in seven NBA games this year, averaging less than three minutes per contest.

Going back and forth with the developmental G League, James has been gradually working his way into form after missing several weeks with a bone bruise in his left heel. The injury, affecting the same leg that required knee surgery in high school, had slowed his progress. Entering Thursday’s game, James was averaging 8.7 points on just 29.4% shooting in three G League appearances.

On Thursday, his scoring output more than tripled his previous G League career-high of 16 points, set last week against the San Diego Clippers.

The game also highlighted a shift in the Lakers’ approach to James’ development. Initially, the organization limited him to home G League games, a decision that drew criticism for being overly protective. That policy was reversed this week, allowing James to gain valuable experience on the road.

“That was the decision at the time,” a league source told the Athletic. “More reps are good for James.”

James’ performance comes as the Lakers deal with injuries of their own. His father, LeBron James, missed his second consecutive game Friday due to foot soreness.