Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James had a night to remember despite the team's loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
James played for nearly eight minutes, albeit only in the fourth quarter when the game was all but out of reach. The 20-year-old guard entered the contest with 7:44 left on the clock and the Lakers behind 116-94.
Still, James made the most of his opportunity after missing the Lakers' last two games due to a forearm injury. The 55th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft tallied nine points and an assist, while shooting 3-of-4 from the field (including 2-of-3 from deep).
Interestingly, after James scored his ninth point of the game—coming off a step-back triple with 16 seconds left—fans at the Delta Center chanted "MVP."
Bronny James has often been the subject of mockery and trolling ever since the Lakers drafted him. Many fans expressed belief that he only made it to the NBA because of his father, LeBron James.
While some of the fans who cheered "MVP" for the younger James are likely poking fun at him, it doesn't change the fact that he has made significant strides in his development.
James has thrived in the G League, averaging 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.0 steals in five games with the South Bay Lakers. By the looks of it, he's gaining more and more confidence.
