Bronny James only made two field goals during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 137-130 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
However, both were memorable, with the sophomore’s final shot, a fairly crucial late-game jumper, drawing high praise from Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić.
Luka Dončić Raves About Bronny James’ Impact in Limited Minutes vs. Pacers
With LA on the final leg of a grueling six-game road trip with multiple key rotation players sidelined, including veteran guard Marcus Smart (ankle), James logged 13 minutes off the bench.
The 21-year-old, who has thrived this season with the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, made the most of his playing time, serving as a defensive sparkplug early.
James then put an exclamation point on his performance late, cutting backdoor for a ferocious one-handed dunk off a feed from teammate Luke Kennard to extend LA’s lead to 109-87 with 10:55 remaining.
After the Pacers, who trailed by as many as 29 points, rallied in the final minutes, James also came through with a pull-up midrange jumper that put the Lakers in front 128-113 with 3:50 left.
Bronny James vs Pacers 👀 Efficient Night! 4 PTS | 2 STL | 2/4 FG 🔥 +4 Impact #BronnyJames #NBA #Lakers #Basketball pic.twitter.com/hpqptmpf9b
— Lakers Replays (@LakersReplaysxo) March 26, 2026
While the 2024 No. 55 pick’s final stat line of 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block on 2-for-4 shooting (50%) paled in comparison to Dončić’s game-high 43-point showing, the six-time All-Star still took notice.
Dončić hailed James for his poise to take and make a momentum-shifting shot, raving about his development since his rookie campaign.
“Definitely a big improvement from last year. I saw him in training camp, he was doing some stuff that I was really impressed with,” Dončić said postgame.
“He did a great job today. Big game for him. That pull-up 2, it was a big bucket. It was probably one of the most important shots of the game. They were coming back, and he hit that one. So, I think he did really great in those minutes.”
Luka Doncic on Bronny James, who had 4 points and pair of steals in 13 minutes: “Definitely a big improvement from last year. I saw him in training camp, he was doing some stuff that I was really impressed with. He did a great job today. Big game for him, that pull-up 2, it was a… https://t.co/ZyLhm5Xypr pic.twitter.com/7nS6z0I1se
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) March 26, 2026
Meanwhile, Lakers coach JJ Redick echoed a similar sentiment, underscoring his staff’s growing belief in the youngster as he splits his time between LA and South Bay.
“He’s gotten significantly better,” Redick gushed. “I know our staff has a lot of confidence in him. It felt like this was a game we really needed him. It was a game that his athleticism, his defense — he had two really good defensive possessions in the first half.
“I think the biggest thing with him is he’s got a lot of confidence right now. I know he didn’t make his 3 tonight, but he’s got a lot of confidence in his shot right now. He’s having a fantastic season with South Bay.”
More from Lakers coach JJ Redick on Bronny James after the game in Indianapolis on Wednesday night: https://t.co/md4n67dpL1 pic.twitter.com/8uddcAusf0
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) March 26, 2026
The Lakers (47-26) never trailed against Indiana en route to their 13th win in their last 15 games. They have hit their stride at just the right time, with only nine outings remaining, and James’ late-season emergence marks yet another bright spot.
