Lakers’ Bronny James: G League Debut ‘an Amazing Experience’ and ‘I’m Just Excited’

Julia StumbaughNovember 10, 2024

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Bronny James says he is “excited” to be getting more minutes after departing the Los Angeles Lakers to join the team’s G League affiliate.

James made his debut for the South Bay Lakers during Saturday night’s 110-96 win over the visiting Salt Lake City Stars.

“I’ve seen all the buzz and stuff about me going down to the G— I mean to the G, not down,” James told reporters. “It’s just, it’s an amazing experience, for me to go out and play my game and get some minutes under me. I’m just excited for it.”

Joe Reedy @joereedyBronny James on being in the G League and the differences in expectations between being on South Bay and the #Lakers: pic.twitter.com/GnOtUGHSxg

James scored for the first time just 43 seconds into the game on jumper from 17 feet out.

South Bay Lakers @SouthBayLakers1⃣st bucket of the season pic.twitter.com/mnuEnQ7oip

“I was just getting a bucket… I didn’t miss,” James said about his first G League points.

Lakernationn @lakernationnnnnBronny James on scoring the first basket of the game: “I was just getting a bucket.” #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/HAwR5ijwmS

James said overall he “felt pretty good” in his G League debut.

“I was just playing basketball. It felt good,” James told reporters.

The No. 55 pick of the 2024 NBA draft played 31 minutes on Saturday night while recording six points, three rebounds and four assists with his father LeBron James and Lakers teammate Anthony Davis in the crowd at the Lakers’ practice facility.

LoJo Media @LoJoMediaLeBron James, Anthony Davis, Savannah and Zuri James all courtside at South Bay Lakers opening night. #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/Vft4H3u25E

James had been averaging under three minutes per night in his five games this season with the Lakers, putting up four total points and two total assists before he was moved to the G League.

James’ time with the South Bay Lakers will allow him some more time to develop his game before he rejoins his father in the NBA. Lakers head coach J.J. Redick’s has said the team plans to shuttle James back and forth between the G League and the NBA as his rookie season progresses.