Bronny James’ G League Explosion

The basketball world is abuzz as Bronny James delivered a jaw-dropping performance in his fourth G League game, scoring 30 points on an efficient 13-of-23 shooting. This marks a potential turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers rookie, who is beginning to look like the phenom NBA scouts raved about during his high school days at Sierra Canyon.

Flashes of Pre-USC Bronny James Return

Since suffering a cardiac arrest incident, Bronny’s transition to professional basketball has been a work in progress. While there have been promising moments—like his 17-point showing in the NBA preseason and standout performances in the Summer League—the Bronny James of late hadn’t consistently resembled the top-10 draft pick prospect ESPN’s Jonathan Givony once projected.

That changed Thursday night. For the first time in years, Bronny reminded everyone why he was considered a potential star.

Rediscovering His Shooting Confidence

At USC, Bronny struggled with his shooting, hitting just 26.7% of his 3-point attempts, and his NBA preseason shooting woes (1-of-12 from beyond the arc) didn’t help his confidence. However, his high school days painted a different picture.

Bronny earned a spot on the McDonald’s All-American game, where he hit 5-of-8 from deep and came just one 3-pointer shy of tying the all-time record. He was a streaky shooter but capable of erupting on any given night.

On Thursday, he silenced critics by hitting his first two attempts from beyond the arc, including a long-range bomb from over a foot behind the 3-point line. This confidence snowballed, helping him regain his form as a reliable shooter.

Athleticism Back on Display

Bronny has always been an elite athlete, with a 40.5-inch vertical (fourth-highest at the NBA Draft Combine) and a second-place finish in the McDonald’s Slam Dunk Contest. On Thursday, the Lakers showcased his athleticism with a perfectly executed play, faking a pindown screen to set up a powerful dunk.

Beyond scripted plays, Bronny made unscripted moves to demonstrate his physical edge. Using a shoulder dip to create space, he powered through defenders like TyTy Washington for layups and wowed fans with his acrobatic finishes.

Transition Play: Bronny’s Natural Strength

Bronny’s ability to thrive in transition has always been one of his defining skills. Draft expert Kyle Irving highlighted his talent in high school:

“Even when he’s pushing the pace, his court vision seemingly slows the game down as he decides whether to attack the rim or dish to an open teammate running the lane.”

This vision was on full display Thursday. Bronny executed a brilliant lob pass after just one dribble, showcasing his basketball IQ and playmaking ability.

Defensive Dominance Returns

Bronny’s defense was his hallmark as a high school prospect. Givony once called him “arguably the best perimeter defender in his high school class,” while Irving praised his ability to act as a “safety” by jumping passing lanes and blocking shots.

On Thursday, he demonstrated this with a jaw-dropping defensive play in the fourth quarter, flying past a screen to swat away a 3-point attempt.

A Turning Point for Bronny James?

Bronny’s journey has been anything but easy. Recovering from a life-threatening cardiac event takes time, and his recent struggles are understandable. However, this latest performance could signify a turning point, proving that he’s rediscovering the form that once had scouts labeling him a top prospect.

This isn’t just one good game—it’s a glimpse into the player Bronny could become as he shakes off the rust and continues to adapt to the professional level.

Why This Matters for the Lakers

For the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. A strong, versatile guard with high basketball IQ, defensive prowess, and improving shooting could make him a key part of their future.

As Bronny continues to build momentum in the G League, fans and scouts alike will watch closely. Is this the start of a long-awaited breakout for Bronny James? Time will tell, but Thursday’s game shows he’s well on his way.

Key Takeaways:

• Shooting Resurgence: Bronny hit multiple 3-pointers with confidence, showcasing the shooting form that made him a high school star.
• Elite Athleticism: Dunks, acrobatics, and sheer physical dominance were on full display.
• Defensive Strength: Bronny’s ability to block shots and disrupt opponents’ plays signals a return to his defensive best.
• Transition Mastery: His court vision and decision-making in transition remain elite.

For Lakers fans, this version of Bronny James is a thrilling reminder of the potential he’s always had. The future is bright.