EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Bronny James made his much-anticipated G League debut for the South Bay Lakers on Saturday night time, posting six factors, three rebounds, 4 assists, two steals, one block and 5 turnovers in 31 minutes within the Lakers’ 110-96 blowout win over the Salt Lake Metropolis Stars on the UCLA Well being Coaching Facility.
James made two of his 9 shot makes an attempt, lacking all 4 of his 3-point seems. He went 1-for-1 on the free throw line. The Lakers had been outscored by one level with James on the ground.
“It felt fairly good to go on the market and simply play my sport,” James stated. “Not a lot distinction. I used to be simply taking part in basketball. It felt good.”
James seemed extra snug with the ball in his arms than he did in Summer season League or earlier within the season, with each of his baskets coming from off-the-dribble jumpers. He nonetheless has a methods to go as a shooter, however he’s more and more develop into extra assertive. Defensively, he pressured ballhandlers, was lively in passing lanes and seamlessly switched screens on and off the ball.
1⃣st bucket of the season pic.twitter.com/mnuEnQ7oip
— South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) November 10, 2024
“I feel he did an amazing job dictating on the ball,” South Bay Lakers coach Zach Guthrie stated. “He bought the primary bucket of the sport. I drew up the primary play for him, however we didn’t get to run it as a result of they received the tip. … He performed nice, he performed unselfishly, he performed throughout the circulate of the sport.”
The hype getting into the sport was in contrast to most — if any — G League video games. The sport offered out greater than 48 hours prematurely, with resale tickets beginning at $200 and the sector stuffed to capability with 676 attendees. The rationale was apparent: The lone jersey being offered within the concourse was Bronny’s golden No. 9 Lakers jersey. The world’s eyes had been on his each transfer.
The courtside crowd included most of Bronny’s rapid household — his father, LeBron, his mom, Savannah, his youthful sister, Zhuri and his grandmother, Gloria — together with teammates Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell, Lakers coach JJ Redick and Lakers vp of basketball operations and basic supervisor Rob Pelinka.
“I imply, this doesn’t usually occur after a G League sport,” stated Salt Lake Metropolis Stars coach Steve Wojciechowski. “Clearly, with Bronny there’s a boatload of pleasure and there ought to be. It’s one of many nice tales in basketball. He and his household, I do know them extremely properly. … His story is bringing consideration not simply to South Bay, however the league usually and for the fellows who play within the league.”
James was launched final through the beginning lineup introductions — usually the spot reserved for the largest star or finest participant — and drew the loudest ovation of the night. The 20-year-old guard began at small ahead because the Lakers opened with a three-guard lineup.
“To have Bronny on the market wanting like how we did, I used to be simply blissful to see him get on the market and present the world that he can play,” Lakers two-way guard Quincy Olivari stated. “I feel I’m a giant advocate on pushing that he’s an amazing basketball participant and that the criticism he will get is unfair. However to see him go on the market, have enjoyable … it was simply nice to see.”
Bronny ➡️ Kylor pic.twitter.com/dVgBsidOY6
— South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) November 10, 2024
Bronny James wins G League debut as South Bay Lakers dominate Salt Lake Metropolis Stars: Dwell updates and response
James, the No. 55 decide within the 2024 NBA Draft, has appeared in 5 of the Lakers’ 9 video games, averaging 0.8 factors (on 16.7-0.0-100.0 taking pictures splits), 0.2 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0.2 steals in 2.8 minutes per sport.
He has incessantly drawn “We would like Bronny!” chants this season, each at Crypto.com Enviornment and at street video games. James’ first NBA look got here throughout opening night time on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles, the place he and LeBron shared the court docket for a stint that lasted lower than three minutes however made them the primary father-son duo in NBA historical past to play collectively. In James’ second look, on Oct. 30 in Cleveland, he scored his first basket after the hometown crowd chanted his identify and erupted in celebration when he entered the sport.
Redick has referred to James as “take a look at case No. 1” for the group’s new participant improvement program. The Lakers’ plan is for James to shuffle between the official Lakers’ roster and the South Bay roster through the season.
“Our plans are at all times fluid primarily based in real-time,” Redick stated. “You base issues in real-time. And the plan for Bronny to maneuver between the Lakers roster and the South Bay roster, that’s at all times been the plan since Day 1. Rob and I’ve talked about that. LeBron’s talked about that.”
The South Bay Lakers play once more on Nov. 15 in opposition to the Santa Cruz Warriors.
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(Picture: Adam Pantozzi / NBAE through Getty Photographs)