Bronny James Reflects On Rookie Highlights: 'I Belong Here'

Bronny James is taking pride in the moments that helped define his rookie season, proving to himself and others that he belongs in the NBA.

Speaking in a chat with the media this summer, the Lakers guard highlighted a standout game against the Milwaukee Bucks as his personal turning point, saying it was one of several performances that reminded him why he’s confident about his future in the league.

“I’d say the Milwaukee game is one, but just overall, having performances that I’d say I was proud of,” Bronny said. “Every one of those meant so much for me that I can prove to some of the people, even if they don’t want to switch sides, but prove to some of those people that I belong here and I can play. I just love that feeling, so it was great.”

Bronny added that games like that didn’t necessarily reveal something new to him, but rather validated what he already knew about himself.

“A lot of confidence,” he said. “I’ve known I can do that, just being able to go out there and actually do it makes me feel great about myself and where I’m going as a player.”

At 20 years old, Bronny didn't take the typical path to the NBA. Growing up under the shadow of an NBA legend, James Jr. knew from the very beginning that he'd be burdened with big expectations. After one season at USC, where he recovered from a cardiac arrest, Bronny was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th pick, and he's been working hard to prove he belongs.

With a modest rookie stat line of 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, Bronny remains a work in progress, but he’s shown enough flashes to keep the Lakers invested in his potential.

In the Bucks game back in March 2025, he delivered one of his best games yet with a career-high 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds in 30 minutes. He shot 7-10 from the field and went 2-4 from three in the loss.

Going into next season, the whole basketball world is waiting to see what comes next for Bronny. This summer, he's been extensively working on his game and honing his craft through constant practice and reps in the Summer League. With a year of NBA experience under his belt and built-up confidence, he's expected to take on a bigger role for the Lakers, and his play will be huge for them off the bench.

If Bronny can just become a more consistent shooter, it'll be all he needs to carve out a permanent role on the Lakers, but the real hard work has only just begun. To truly maximize his game, James Jr. will have to spend extra time in the gym in order to speed up his development and become the player he's always imagined.

Bronny James’s rookie season may not have lit up the stat sheet, but his growth, confidence, and dedication are clear. If he can build on the momentum from his breakout moments, he could take a major step toward carving out his own identity in the NBA, separate from his father’s shadow and defined by his own accomplishments.