Oct 26, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) dribbles during the second half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Yuki Kawamura vs. Bronny James Moment in Lakers vs. Grizzlies Goes Viral

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Nov 7, 2024 3:09 PM ET

Memphis Grizzlies rookie guard Yuki Kawamura has made a name for himself early in his career, and he increased that buzz Wednesday night when he was matched up against Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James.

In a matchup against the Lakers rookie and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Kawamura was able to put on the moves and draw the foul against James Jr., sending him to the line and earning his first NBA points.

#河村勇輝 NBA初得点
ブロニー・ジェームズからファウルを獲得しFT2本を成功#YukiKawamura #GrindCity @memgrizz #NBAHighlights #NBAJPN pic.twitter.com/Cp7aygFYeF
— NBA Japan (@NBAJPN) November 7, 2024

It took till his sixth game, but the 5-foot-8 rookie from Japan was finally able to score his first points in the NBA. Currently on a two-way contract with the Grizzlies as he spends time between them and the Memphis Hustle, Kawamura has amassed a significant following early on in his NBA career. On the social media platform "X", he has over 200,000 followers.

NBA 6試合目で待望の初得点 #河村勇輝 @KawamuraYuki @memgrizz #GrindCity #NBACourt #NBAGame #nbajpn pic.twitter.com/22RnzGk2rM
— NBA Japan (@NBAJPN) November 7, 2024

Kawamura is only one of two Japanese-born players who have appeared and scored in an NBA game this season, with the only other being Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura who missed last night's contest due to illness.

Kawamura isn't the only Grizzlies rookie generating buzz however, as both Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey are two of the four rookies currently averaging double-digit points on the season. Wells finished Wednesday's contest with 20 points while Edey had eight points and seven rebounds.