Despite having a “historic” night with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James is back in the G-League.

The journey of Bronny James in the NBA has been one of scrutiny, growth, and perseverance. As the son of NBA legend LeBron James, expectations have followed him since his high school days at Sierra Canyon. Selected as the 55th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny made history by becoming part of the first-ever father-son duo to play in the league at the same time. Despite experiencing a “historic” moment in a game for the Lakers, Bronny has returned to the G-League to continue his development. This move has sparked discussions about his career trajectory, his readiness for the NBA, and what lies ahead.

Pre-Draft Journey and Expectations

Before joining the NBA, Bronny was already under immense pressure. A highly regarded prospect, he played for the University of Southern California (USC) for one season before declaring for the draft. While he was not projected to be a lottery pick, his defensive skills and basketball IQ made him a valuable selection. The Lakers’ decision to draft him was met with both excitement and skepticism, with critics questioning whether his selection was influenced more by his lineage than his skills.

Rich Paul, Bronny’s agent and longtime representative of LeBron James, was reportedly strategic in ensuring that Bronny landed in Los Angeles. Reports suggested that Paul discouraged other teams from drafting him, reinforcing the idea that Bronny’s best development path was alongside his father. While some saw this as a power move, others believed it allowed Bronny to develop in a familiar environment.

Early Struggles and G-League Assignment

The Lakers’ preseason games provided the first glimpses of Bronny in professional action. His performances were mixed—his defensive instincts were evident, but offensively, he struggled to assert himself. With limited playing time on a Lakers team vying for an NBA championship, the organization decided to assign him to their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, to get more reps.

His debut in the G-League came on November 9, 2024, against the Salt Lake City Stars. In 31 minutes, he put up six points, showcasing flashes of his two-way potential but also indicating the areas he needed to refine, such as shot creation and consistency from beyond the arc. Throughout the season, he alternated between stints with the Lakers and South Bay, demonstrating resilience in the face of criticism.

Breakout Performances in the G-League

While in the G-League, Bronny showed steady improvement. On December 12, 2024, he delivered his first major performance, scoring 30 points in a 106–100 loss to the Valley Suns. He followed this up with a career-high 31 points against the Rip City Remix on January 24, 2025. His defensive skills remained his most notable asset, but his offensive game was beginning to take shape.

Despite these performances, his NBA appearances were sparse and often uneventful. Averaging just 1.6 points per game with the Lakers, Bronny struggled to find consistent minutes. Critics began to question whether he was truly NBA-ready, with some analysts suggesting he was not yet equipped to contribute at the highest level.

Historic Night with the Lakers

Everything changed on March 20, 2025, when the Lakers faced the Milwaukee Bucks. With LeBron James sidelined due to injury, Bronny was given extended minutes. In what was the best game of his young NBA career, he played 30 minutes and finished with 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a block, shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the field.

Although the Lakers lost 118–89, Bronny’s performance was the silver lining. His confidence, composure, and ability to contribute effectively at the NBA level silenced some of his critics. Even ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who had previously questioned his place in the NBA, admitted that Bronny had proven him wrong with that performance.

Return to the G-League

Despite this breakthrough game, the Lakers opted to send Bronny back to the G-League for further development. This move was met with mixed reactions. Some believed it was a necessary step to ensure he continued to develop without the pressure of immediate NBA expectations. Others felt that after proving himself in a high-stakes NBA game, he should have been given more opportunities at the highest level.

His return to the G-League was not without merit. On March 24, 2025, Bronny exploded for a career-high 39 points in a 122–118 victory over the Santa Cruz Warriors. He added seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block, displaying an all-around game that suggested his time in the G-League was being well spent.

The Challenges of Being LeBron James’ Son

One of the most difficult aspects of Bronny’s career has been the scrutiny that comes with being LeBron James’ son. Every game, every decision, and every performance is dissected through the lens of his father’s legacy. In interviews, Bronny has expressed frustration at the perception that he was handed opportunities rather than earning them. He has stated that people often treat him like a “robot,” assuming that he is only in the NBA because of his father’s influence.

While nepotism debates persist, Bronny’s work ethic and willingness to prove himself have won over some of his doubters. His G-League performances suggest that he is determined to carve out his own legacy, separate from his father’s shadow.

What’s Next for Bronny James?

With the 2024–25 season nearing its end, questions remain about Bronny’s future. Will he earn a consistent spot in the Lakers’ rotation next season, or will he continue to develop in the G-League? Some believe he should stay in the G-League for another full season to gain more experience, while others argue that he has already demonstrated enough potential to warrant more NBA minutes.

Another factor to consider is LeBron James’ future. The four-time NBA champion has openly expressed his desire to play with his son, but whether that means staying with the Lakers or potentially moving to another team remains to be seen. If LeBron leaves Los Angeles, it could impact Bronny’s standing with the organization.

Despite all the questions, one thing is clear—Bronny James is improving. His return to the G-League is not a demotion but rather a strategic move to ensure his development continues at the right pace. As he hones his skills, the basketball world will continue to watch his journey, waiting to see if he can emerge as an impact player in the NBA.

Bronny James’ rookie season has been filled with highs and lows, from a historic moment with the Lakers to a return to the G-League for more experience. His journey has been anything but conventional, and the weight of expectations remains heavy. However, his resilience, work ethic, and steady improvement suggest that his story is just beginning. Whether he ultimately becomes a star in the NBA or carves out a role as a solid contributor, Bronny is determined to prove that he belongs at the highest level of basketball.