Bronny James progressing despite mixed results

Amid the whirlwind of reaction to the stunning trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, basketball has continued as usual for the Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. 

While the NBA world dissected the implications of the high-profile swap, Bronny James remained focused on his development in the minor league, where his performances have shown steady improvement after a slow start to the season.

On Monday night, James delivered a mixed performance in South Bay’s 105-101 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue. The 20-year-old guard posted 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals—numbers that suggest a solid outing on paper. However, he also committed six turnovers and struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-of-17 from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range.

The game itself was a tale of two halves. South Bay entered the break with a commanding 14-point lead, but a second-half collapse ultimately cost it the victory. 

James provided a glimpse of his defensive potential in the fourth quarter, delivering an emphatic chase-down block reminiscent of his father, LeBron James. Yet, his impact on the offensive end faltered late, as he missed a crucial three-pointer in the closing stages. A last-second three kept South Bay’s hopes alive, but Oklahoma City sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Since being assigned to the G League, James has appeared in 11 games, averaging 16.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. While his contributions have been notable, his offensive efficiency remains a concern. 

The young guard is shooting just 38 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc while committing 3.2 turnovers per contest.

James has also had brief stints with the Lakers' NBA roster, joining the team for their recent East Coast road trip. Over three games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards and New York Knicks, he logged 29 total minutes, gaining valuable exposure at the highest level.

Despite his struggles, the Lakers rookie has drawn support from veterans around the league, including 76ers star Paul George, who urged patience and perspective on his Podcast P show.

“That’s what being a rookie is. You learn from these battles,” George said. “You can be a veteran, you don't necessarily win a lot of matchups, sometimes. Sometimes somebody has your number, sometimes it’s a rough matchup, sometimes it’s a learning curve, it's a learning experience—especially for a rookie.”

As the season progresses, the scrutiny surrounding James will only intensify, but his gradual development suggests his best basketball is still ahead. With continued opportunities in both the G League and occasional NBA minutes, the young guard has the platform to refine his game and prove he belongs at the next level.