Bronny James put on a show for the crowds at Crypto.com Arena, leading the Lakers in their 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Despite his rookie status and relatively limited playing time this season, James seized every opportunity to shine, scoring a season-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The highlight of the game came when James went one-on-one against two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first half, showcasing his skills with a behind-the-back crossover that left the crowd in awe. Although he lost possession out of bounds, James’ confidence and poise impressed coach JJ Redick.
“I think his confidence is growing,” Redick said of James. “He’s got physical tools and a burst that will make him an above-average to really good NBA shooter.” With James’ father LeBron sitting in the stands, the 20-year-old has faced criticism for his performance this season. However, James credits coach Redick and his coaching staff with believing in him and helping him settle at the professional level.
James’ growth is evident, both on and off the court. He’s focusing on the “controllables” and consistently working hard to improve despite the scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile rookie. The 30-minute performance marked a significant turnaround from his previous games, where he averaged just 1.6 points per game.
With this newfound confidence, James is ready to take on the challenges ahead. “I feel like it’s all coming back,” he said after the game. “Going in the gym tomorrow, ready to work as hard as I did yesterday.” The future looks bright for Bronny James, who’s poised to make a lasting impact in the NBA.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44339604/lakers-bronny-james-takes-center-stage-confidence-growing