The Los Angeles Lakers stumbled into Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night looking more like a skeleton crew than a playoff contender. With their entire starting lineup sidelined by injuries, they absorbed a punishing 136-108 defeat from the San Antonio Spurs. Yet beneath the rubble of another lopsided loss, one bright spot emerged in the form of Bronny James.
The second-year guard posted a career-high 12 points on 50 percent shooting across 25 minutes, marking his most substantial playing time of the season. James connected on both of his three-point attempts and dished out six assists, tying for the team lead in an otherwise forgettable evening. For a player who has spent most of his rookie campaign riding the bench or shuttling between leagues, the performance represented a rare opportunity to prove his worth.
Los Angeles took the floor without Luka Doncic, who remained out with a hamstring injury, alongside Austin Reaves, sidelined with a left calf issue. LeBron James sat due to a foot problem, while Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton were unavailable with ankle and knee ailments, respectively. The depleted roster forced coach JJ Redick to dig deep into his bench, creating an opening for the younger James to showcase the talent that made him a second-round selection in 2024.
The Winding Path From Draft Day
James entered the league as the 55th overall pick with modest expectations and the understanding that his development would demand patience. Through 27 appearances this season, he has averaged a mere 1.9 points, 1.1 assists and 0.4 rebounds across 6.8 minutes per game. His shooting percentages of 38.8 from the field and 37.5 from deep hint at potential, yet meaningful opportunities have remained elusive.
Redick has kept the 21-year-old guard outside the regular rotation for most of the season, limiting his action to garbage time or emergency scenarios when injuries mount. The approach has resulted in Bronny James bouncing between the NBA and the G League with frustrating frequency. Just two days before Tuesday’s contest, the Lakers assigned him to their South Bay affiliate following a victory over Golden State. Hours later, they recalled him ahead of Monday’s loss to Oklahoma City. The constant movement reflects both organizational roster management and James’ precarious position within the team hierarchy.
Developmental League Disappointments
When James has found himself in South Bay, the results have fallen short of expectations. Across six G League appearances, he has averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting just 35.6 percent from the floor and 21.2 percent from three-point range. The extended minutes were designed to build confidence and polish his skills, but the numbers suggest he continues searching for rhythm and consistency at any level.
The distance between G League competence and NBA readiness remains considerable. James must sharpen his decision-making, refine his ball-handling and discover ways to contribute when his shot abandons him. At 21, he possesses time to grow, but the Lakers will not extend endless patience while waiting for improvement.
Fourth Quarter Explosion
Tuesday’s showing provided a tantalizing preview of what James might offer when granted room to operate. He poured in seven points and added three assists during the fourth quarter alone, attacking the rim with newfound aggression and demonstrating enhanced court vision. His finest moment arrived on a spectacular alley-oop feed to rookie Adou Thiero, who soared above defenders for a thunderous two-handed flush that earned one of the few ovations from the home crowd.
James also rejected a shot late in the game and drew thunderous approval earlier when he drew an offensive foul on Victor Wembanyama, who torched the Lakers for 40 points on the evening. The defensive sequence against Wembanyama, who had already dropped 25 points in the opening quarter, revealed James’ competitive spirit against elite opposition. Whether he can convert these flashes into reliable production remains the defining question hanging over his young career.
Uncertain Road Ahead
The Lakers fell to 32-21 with the defeat, their second consecutive setback. As the team battles through an injury crisis, James may encounter additional chances in the coming weeks. However, strong performances during blowouts, no matter how encouraging, will not automatically alter Redick’s rotation philosophy when the roster returns to full strength.
For James to secure a legitimate role, he must dominate during his G League assignments and maximize every NBA minute, regardless of game circumstances. Tuesday’s breakout represented progress, but the journey from second-round project to rotation regular demands sustained excellence over an extended period. The Lakers selected him knowing the road would stretch long and winding. Now they wait to see whether he can transform flashes of promise into tangible production when the stakes rise higher than mop-up duty.
