Bronny James Sets G-League Career-High With South Bay Lakers

"Just all the coaches believing in me and continue to put that in my head that they believe in me and what I can do as a player," James said after his NBA career high last week. "I was given an opportunity tonight to go show them what I've been working on while I've been sitting on the bench, in the G League getting reps, stuff like that. Just constantly putting that in my head that they believe in me and that I can contribute."

James’s confidence level has visibly increased as he’s become more comfortable at both levels of professional basketball. There’s a debate to be made he’s one of the very best players in the G-League, and the progress he’s made while working in that realm has undoubtedly catapulted his overall feel for the game when he does go back up to the Laker's main roster. The development plan for Bronny James is working. 

"I think his confidence is growing. I think the next step is just becoming an elite-conditioned athlete. Because when he does that, with his physical tools and his burst and his handle - and we think he's going to be an above-average to really good NBA shooter, he's going to have a chance to really make an impact," said Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick.

Anything Bronny does will illicit a massive response, but on a night like that, it’s hard to ignore the importance of that performance. His father, 21-time All-Star Lebron James, NBA Champion Tristan Thompson, and former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, amongst other stars chimed in to congratulate Bronny on his standout showing that echoed throughout the basketball landscape on a night where NBA teams played: 

The ability to perform under the pressure that Bronny James is under is impressive, but the way Bronny handles the responsibility is the most admirable part of his progression so far. James is becoming more confident, even barking back at some of his detractors at times, but never appearing to be flustered or letting the grind weigh him down. At just 20 years old, he could be just scratching the surface of his potential.