Bronny James impresses with 17 points in Lakers' preseason finale
- Bronny James scored 17 points in his first preseason start, shooting 7-for-17 from the field.
- Despite his performance, the Los Angeles Lakers were severely beaten by the Golden State Warriors with a score of 132-74.
- This preseason game showcased the young talent of the Lakers and was viewed as a valuable learning experience for Bronny James.
On October 18, 2024, in the final preseason game for the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, delivered his best performance, scoring 17 points. This game marked a crucial opportunity for the rookie, as he embraced a starting role after struggling in previous preseason outings with only 1.6 points per game. James notably hit his first three-pointer and executed an impressive alley-oop dunk, reflecting his potential. Despite James’ efforts, the Lakers faced a disappointing loss against the Golden State Warriors, culminating in a staggering 132-74 score. The Lakers were significantly shorthanded, choosing to rest notable players including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell, thus allowing reserve players and rookies to gain vital playing time. The Warriors, although missing star point guard Steph Curry, showcased their depth by dominating from the start, holding onto an 18-point lead by the end of the first quarter. New Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of developmental moments for young players, indicating that Bronny James’ contribution served as a stepping stone for his growth. The upcoming NBA regular season will commence on October 22, and these performances will be pivotal in shaping the future roles of young talents like James. As the Lakers gear up for the regular season, the focus will be on building chemistry and experience among the younger roster members, aiming to leverage games like these to prepare for the competitive season ahead.