Bronny James had a rough start. They clowned him. They said he only got the roster spot because of his last name. But the younger James just wrapped up his rookie G League season dropping a smooth 21.9 points per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers rookie balled out for the South Bay Lakers, and basketball fans all over the timeline are starting to flip the narrative. The kid showed out. Folks are finally paying attention. And … the haters? Real quiet.
Bronny James: From Doubt to Dominance
When the Los Angeles Lakers used their 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Bronny James, the takes flew fast. “Nepotism pick.” “He’s not ready.” “Overhyped.” But behind all that noise? A player putting in the work.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder spent the bulk of his rookie year grinding with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, and his numbers speak louder than any debate. He played 11 regular-season games. James averaged 22 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Sprinkle in two steals per game, and 44% shooting overall, and you’ve got a legit stat line.
31 PTS 💥 3 AST 💥 5 3PM
Bronny James went off for a CAREER-HIGH in scoring and in threes in the @southbaylakers win over the Remix! This was his second 30 point game of the season. pic.twitter.com/AyW4t4uPcD
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 25, 2025
Sure, his NBA minutes with the Los Angeles Lakers were sparse. Just 5.9 per game over 23 appearances. And yeah, the 2.3 PPG isn’t turning heads. But the G League was his proving ground, and he made it count.
Even with his recent illness keeping him out of the Lakers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans, it’s becoming harder to ignore the growth. And if you ask the fans? They’re already sold.
Fans Flip the Script for Bronny James
As the G League season wrapped, social media lit up. One post that listed his season stats ended with a question: “What is next for Bronny?” The replies? Pure vibes.
Bronny James first year in the G league is officially over
22 PPG
5 RPG
5.5 APG
2 SPG
38% 3FG
44% FGWhat is next for Bronny? pic.twitter.com/oR4npch8vB
— BronnyMuse (@BronnyMuse06) April 5, 2025
“They said he didn’t deserve it btw,” one fan clapped back, quoting the early criticism.
They said he didn’t deserve it btw https://t.co/F4no42st0v
— C A L V I N (@calvingonba) April 5, 2025
Another said what many are starting to think: “Ngl I hope for him he get traded to a team where he can get pt.” Some think a second G League run might be next. But no one’s doubting the kid anymore.
Ngl I hope for him he get traded to a team where he can get pt
— Manuu (@ManuuShow) April 5, 2025
And why would they? James has had flashes even in the NBA. With injuries opening up rotation minutes, he dropped a career-high 17 points for the big club on March 20 against the Milwaukee Bucks. That game had fans buzzing, thinking maybe, just maybe, he was ahead of schedule in his development.
Sure, he’s not in JJ Redick’s regular rotation. Yet. But with Los Angeles eyeing the postseason — third place in the Western Conference with a 47-30 record — and potential roster tweaks ahead, his future suddenly looks bright.
At the end of the day, Bronny James didn’t need to silence critics with speeches. He let the scoreboard talk. His 21.9 points per game in the G League isn’t just hype. That’s production.