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Bronny James Applauded By NBA Fans Despite G League Lakers' Loss vs. Charge

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVDecember 28, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 25: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 25, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images

Bronny James had a solid night for the South Bay Lakers on Friday, though it wasn't nearly enough to prevent his team from suffering a blowout loss against the Cleveland Charge in G League action.

Despite his 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists, the Lakers suffered a 125-113 defeat.

South Bay Lakers @SouthBayLakers

<a href="https://t.co/ml1sh6QL9p">pic.twitter.com/ml1sh6QL9p</a>

James wasn't perfect, shooting just 6-of-17 from the field with three turnovers, but it was a solid overall performance.

Emoni Bates (30 points, five rebounds) and Craig Porter Jr. (28 points, 10 assists) absolutely cooked for Cleveland, meanwhile, while Feron Hunt added a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double.

After the contest, the basketball junkies who actually watched the contest praised the younger James for what was a solid if unspectacular performance:

Rads @Rads2Comp

Nah this was cold. He gonna show yall he belong real soon… <a href="https://t.co/T3uRSu1F25">https://t.co/T3uRSu1F25</a>

Raquel 🫶🏾 @SOULbeautifulme

Bronny shot bad but it's good to see that he's affecting the game in other areas. Since his shot was off, it's great to see him getting assist &amp; rebound &amp; steals. <br><br>These are all great signs for Bronny growth <a href="https://t.co/LmxlQNClkj">https://t.co/LmxlQNClkj</a>

The Beautiful Struggle @Beautiful_Str34

Winning plays right there. Great stuff from bronny &amp; great hustle Z intangibles like this if continued will get him a job in the A full time <a href="https://t.co/NEmOOL2ZRr">https://t.co/NEmOOL2ZRr</a>

Ijaz khan @Ijazkhan1k

Bronny James putting up an all-around performance tonight

1020 @kotaa_ki

Bronny literally just needs his shot to fall. Everything else is great

Chuck D @MrChuckD

Bronny <a href="https://twitter.com/BronnyJamesJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BronnyJamesJr</a> DEFENSE is gonna make him <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nba</a> the offensive thing gonna find him. It takes a special defender to play into todays game. He can be <a href="https://twitter.com/HARPER04_5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HARPER04_5</a> ish his identity is picking up without <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingJames</a>

Charz @IiiArnuma

Man Bronny can play. His problem is he's just a nice kid.

To this point in his young career, scoring has been the primary weakness in James' game, and more specifically, perimeter shooting.

"I think the biggest thing for his game is consistency, especially from three-point range," a G League scout told B/R's Andy Bailey.

It isn't the only part of his offensive repertoire that is lacking, however.

"If a young player in a limited role isn't consistently knocking down open catch-and-shoots, then they have to be able to at least attack close-outs and finish around the rim efficiently," a coach told Bailey. "Unfortunately, he's struggling in this area just as greatly."

There is upside for James given his defense and playmaking. But until he can score with a bit more consistency—or at least bury his catch-and-shoot threes—he'll struggle crack an NBA rotation.