Los Angeles Lakers sophomore guard Bronny James scored his first points of the 2025-26 NBA season in dramatic fashion during Sunday’s 130-120 home victory over the Miami Heat. His highlight-worthy finish elicited a raucous sideline reaction from his father, Lakers superstar forward LeBron James.
Bronny had been a relative non-factor across LA’s first six contests, posting modest production in three appearances. However, he made his presence felt early on against Miami, reminding NBA fans about his potential as an athletic two-way guard, provided his offense comes around.
Bronny James Throws Down Vicious Dunk for First Points of Sophomore Campaign
Late in the opening frame, Lakers forward Jake LaRavia stripped the ball from Heat wing Andrew Wiggins on a drive to the rim, sparking a fast break. LaRavia pushed it ahead to star guard Austin Reaves, who found a streaking Bronny, setting the youngster up for a two-handed alley-oop slam.
AUSTIN REAVES LOB TO BRONNY JAMES
🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 3, 2025
Following the play, LeBron, who has yet to make his Year 23 debut due to sciatica, sprang to his feet, enthusiastically waving his arms before applauding his son. The 21-time All-Star showed no signs of concern about his nagging nerve issue as he relished the moment.
OMG BRONNY JAMES THREW DOWN THE ALLEY OOP 🤯
LEBRON GOT OUT OF HIS SEAT! pic.twitter.com/Fun1vPrc7l
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 3, 2025
Many on social media promptly drew parallels to a similar alley-oop connection between Reaves and LeBron from last season.
Austin Reaves really threw IDENTICAL lobs to both LeBron and Bronny James 🤯
Like FATHER, like SON.
(via @pickuphoop)pic.twitter.com/JhiU7LXrTW
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) November 3, 2025
Before his thunderous finish, Bronny had gone 0-for-3 from the field across 28 total minutes this season, tallying three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
The No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny has faced unprecedented expectations for a late second-rounder since entering the league, largely due to his father’s illustrious résumé. After an up-and-down rookie campaign in which he split his time between the Lakers and their NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, he hasn’t shown many signs of improvement to begin Year 2.
In extended playing time across four preseason outings, he averaged 6.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.5 steals per game, shooting just 25%, including 15.4% from deep. While Bronny has the physical tools to develop into a rotation-level NBA guard, his ability to knock down outside looks will likely shape his career trajectory.
He ultimately finished 1-for-4 (25%) against the Heat, missing both of his 3-point attempts and having his second fast-break drive thwarted by Wiggins. Fortunately for Bronny, at just 21 years old, he still has ample time to carve out his place on the aspiring Western Conference contender.