In their pre-season finale, the Los Angeles Lakers were heavily beaten by the Golden State Warriors, 132-74, as the team opted to rest their starters.
However, rookie guard Bronny James used the game as an opportunity for personal progress.
Bronny, the eldest son of LeBron James and the Lakers’ No.55 draft pick, started in the game and finished with 17 points, shooting 7-for-17.
He also contributed 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block during his 35 minutes on the floor.
The 20-year-old struggled throughout his first five pre-season games, scoring just 8 points, including 0-for-7 from three-point range, with 5 turnovers.
Friday, however, saw a different performance.
Bronny had his best performance yet in the Lakers’ preseason finale 👀🔥
17 PTS, 4 REB, 3 STL 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ybigQRJfCZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 19, 2024
Bronny opened his scoring with a driving layup less than a minute after the tip-off and later drained a 28-foot three-pointer as the shot clock expired in the second quarter.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick viewed the performance as part of Bronny’s overall development.
He said: “I think for him and all our younger players, all the moments are building blocks.
“Not just the good moments. The bad moments are learning opportunities.
“I think you have to have a level of patience, a level of optimism.
“I’m sure it felt good to have 17 points, but it’s not even remotely on my radar. We’re trying to help him grow into a great basketball player.”
Bronny added: “It’s just a great feeling to go out there and not think as much as I do and just play.
“[It gives me] just a little bit of confidence going into the season.
“Even though I might not be in that rotation or playing, just going into practice, maybe G League games, with that confidence in myself to go out there and play my game.”
