Bronny James made history in his first NBA start for the Los Angeles Lakers on April 13, 2025. With the team resting its stars in the regular-season finale against Portland, the rookie seized the opportunity.
Though his shooting was off (4 points on 2-of-10 from the field), Bronny impacted the game in other ways. He tallied three rebounds, six assists, and a team-high four steals in 38 minutes. That defensive effort made him the first Laker ever with four or more steals in a debut start.
Bronny James had 4 STL today.
— Real Sports (@realapp_) April 13, 2025
That’s the most by a Laker in their first career start in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/RlXSgCbsMM
One highlight came in the third quarter – Bronny hammered home a dunk off a sharp play, energizing the crowd and bench.
BRONNY JAMES DUNK.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 13, 2025
pic.twitter.com/QcQv8Hx6Mi
The Lakers, already locked into the West’s third seed, sat LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and other key players. The Trail Blazers won 109–81, but Bronny gained crucial experience.
While his scoring needs work, the 20-year-old showed promise as a defender and playmaker. His performance hints at a bright future.
Early reactions acknowledge his shooting woes but point to the positives. NBA lagend LeBron James’ son is not part of the regular rotation yet, but this game offered a promising glimpse into Bronny’s potential.
Bronny James reflects on growth after up-and-down rookie season
Bronny James wrapped up his rookie season with a clear takeaway: growth – both on and off the court. In 27 games with the Lakers, he averaged just 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, shooting 31.3% from the field. But the numbers only tell part of the story, according to Heavy.
“I felt like I grew as a player and person… there’s more work to be done,” he said.
"I felt like I grew as a player and person… there's more work to be done."
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 13, 2025
Bronny James (4 pts, 3 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl) reflects on his rookie season, as the Lakers fall in Portland, losing 109-81. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/ghX7K4FUBj
A cardiac arrest in March 2024 disrupted his momentum and made it difficult to hit the ground running at USC. That health scare shadowed Bronny’s transition to the NBA, turning his first season into a learning curve rather than a breakout.
Though he saw limited NBA action, Bronny thrived in the G League. Playing 11 games for the South Bay Lakers, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 38% from three.
With the Lakers facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs, Bronny likely won’t get much playing time. But his G League performance proves his potential.
Rookie stats aside, Bronny’s G League play may earn him a spot on the G League All-Rookie team. And while he’s not in the mix for NBA rookie honors, his steady improvement from the 2024 Summer League through the end of the season points to a promising sophomore leap in 2025–26.
READ: Lakers Prep for Timberwolves Showdown in First-Round Playoff Clash
