Bronny James' Poster Dunk, 31 Points Amaze NBA Fans in G League Lakers' Win
January 25, 2025
Bronny James' first G League game in nearly one month was a rousing success, as the 20-year-old scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-22 shooting with four assists, three steals and two rebounds in the South Bay Lakers' 122-110 win over Rip City Remix.
After the game, James said he was "grateful for everything" that he's able to do right now.
In what was a game of highlights for James, the one that stood out most was his poster dunk over 6'11" center Sterling Manley in the third quarter.
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBATHIS ANGLE OF BRONNY'S POSTER 😱 <br><br>(📹 <a href="https://twitter.com/swishcultures_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swishcultures_</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanRichardSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordanRichardSC</a>) <a href="https://t.co/4CFH38z3Zv">pic.twitter.com/4CFH38z3Zv</a>
James' poster slam helped spur the Lakers' to victory. They were trailing 80-78 before the dunk, then closed the third quarter on a 9-4 run to take the lead. South Bay outscored Rip City 64-43 in the second half.
The most encouraging part of Friday's performance from James is it continues his pattern of strong G League games. He is averaging 23.0 points on 45.8 percent three-point shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in three regular-season appearances.
Small sample size caveats apply because those numbers are from three games, but he has played in a total of 10 G League games when you add in the tipoff tournament and G League Showcase.
When you add in the seven additional games James appeared in with South Bay during the tipoff tournament and G League Showcase, he is averaging 16.3 points on 39.0 percent shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest.
Friday was his first appearance with South Bay since Dec. 28, so the fact he played well at this level right now bodes well for his future outlook.
It's even more impressive that James has looked as comfortable as he has in the G League given how unique his situation is where he's constantly shuttling back and forth with the NBA club depending on where the Los Angeles Lakers are playing.
With the NBA club embarking on a six-game road trip starting Saturday, including four games against Eastern Conference opponents, James will likely have an extended stay with South Bay.
The next game for the South Bay Lakers is on Wednesday when they host the Texas Legends.