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Bronny James' unexpected achievement brings pride to LeBron and validation for the Lakers

Is Bronny finding his footing in the pros?

Bronny James' unexpected achievement brings pride to LeBron and validation for the Lakers
Lapresse

The Los Angeles Lakers have been raked over the coals (so to speak) for their decision to select Bronny James with one of the final picks of the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite a scouting consensus that Bronny was years away from contributing nightly to an NBA roster and had significant work ahead of him to reach the NBA, the Lakers took Bronny anyway and handed him a guaranteed contract worth nearly $8 million -- developments that made Bronny's father, LeBron James, very happy indeed.

Bronny's NBA cameos to this point have gone as many expected -- the 20-year-old has played few minutes for rookie head coach J.J Redick and struggled to make a dent in the stat sheet. But it's a different story for Bronny in the G League, where he has received regular minutes (though not without controversy) and is starting, perhaps, to put it all together.

Bronny's career high in points

Upon recovering from a lingering heel injury, Bronny returned to the South Bay Lakers' lineup for their game against the San Diego Clippers over the weekend. In the 119-111 victory, Bronny set a new personal best with 16 points, adding four rebounds and two assists in the win.

Though his 16 points were scored from 15 shots and he missed all four of his 3-point attempts, Bronny was praised for his resilience and his defense -- which increasingly appears as if it will be his calling card in the NBA if he is going to stick in Los Angeles.

Bronny was rewarded for his efforts with another cameo in the LA Lakers' win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Redick threw on LeBron's son for three minutes in the 107-98 victory -- he missed two shots but recorded a block, although the Lakers were outscored by nine points when he was on the hardwood.

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