Bronny James Makes Personal Admission After Lakers' Win Over Nets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Manhaz Muntaha | Last updated Mar 28, 2026 12:05 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers handled the Brooklyn Nets convincingly on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, securing their 11th win in 12 games and tightening their grip on the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Luka Doncic led the way with 41 points and eight rebounds, while LeBron James added 14 points and eight assists. Bronny James played four minutes off the bench, knocking down a three on one attempt.

During the game, a father recorded an assist on his son's basket for the first time in NBA history. With roughly 7:50 remaining in the second quarter, LeBron drew a double team and passed to Bronny, who hit a wide-open three-pointer from the corner.

The duo played together for approximately four minutes during the second quarter. After the 116-99 win, reporter Melissa Rohlin asked Bronny what it means to him to be playing meaningful minutes after everything he's been through. He didn't overreact.

"I've been wanting to play basketball my whole life, so I knew that was going to be my job at some point," Bronny said. "It's a dream come true. I'm so privileged to be able to play basketball for a job and I love every single second of it. My teammates embrace it. I'm best friends with all my teammates and my coaches. I'm just happy to be here."

Bronny James on what it means to him after everything he has gone through to be playing meaningful minutes:

"I’ve been wanting to play basketball my whole life, so I knew that was going to be my job at some point. It’s a dream come true. I’m so privileged to be able to play…
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) March 28, 2026

Bronny’s story is remarkable when you consider what he’s overcome. In July 2023, he suffered a cardiac arrest during a college practice caused by a congenital heart defect. He fought his way back, made it to the NBA, and is now in his second season playing alongside his father, LeBron, for the Purple and Gold.

For most of his first two seasons, Bronny has only played at the end of blowouts. He recently earned actual rotation minutes, but only because Marcus Smart is out with an injury.

However, he looks like a different player with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, averaging 14.8 points and 3.6 assists. With him in the lineup, South Bay went on an 11-game winning streak to clinch a spot in the 2026 playoffs.

The Lakers are set to host the Washington Wizards this Monday at 10:00 p.m. ET. Whether Bronny plays depends mostly on the injury report. Smart remains day-to-day with an ankle issue, which gave Bronny the chance on the court this week. If Smart sits, the 21-year-old guard can see another run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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