Bronny James closed out his rookie year with a personal milestone — his first NBA start — and followed it with an honest reflection on growth, struggle, and what comes next.
“More Work to Be Done”: Bronny Embraces the Long Road
With the Lakers locked into the No. 3 seed, Bronny was thrust into the starting lineup for the season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was his most extended run yet — 38 minutes on the floor — but it didn’t go as planned.
He finished with 4 points (2-of-10 shooting), 6 assists, 3 turnovers, and a -23 plus/minus in a 109–81 loss. Still, for Bronny, the bigger picture mattered more.
“I thought I got better,” he said after the game. “I thought I grew as a player and a person. My progression has been slow, but I’m getting better every day.”
Bronny acknowledged the ups and downs but emphasized that his focus has stayed on development, not headlines.
“I feel like I’ve taken some steps in the right direction… I’m looking forward to doing that in the years to come.”
Real Reps, Real Growth
The 20-year-old rookie didn’t get consistent NBA minutes this season — averaging just 6.7 minutes across 27 games. But he gained valuable court time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where his confidence and production exploded.
That experience, Bronny said, was key:
“The reps — just getting some games under my belt. Not just sitting and watching, but being able to go out there and play my game.”
His words echo what Lakers head coach JJ Redick said days earlier, when he gave Bronny an “A+” for how he handled the season.
“He doesn’t break character,” Redick said. “I’m very high on him long-term being part of our rotation.”
Playoffs Up Next — Learning from the Best
As the Lakers gear up to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, Bronny’s role may shift back to the bench. But he sees the postseason as another classroom.
“The intensity of playoff games… just ready to be open-minded and ready to learn.”
Despite all the pressure and public scrutiny that comes with his last name, Bronny has stayed level-headed. He knows there’s a long way to go — but he’s walking the path with patience.
