Bronny James wasted no time making his mark in the NBA Summer League 2025, taking full advantage of his opportunity less than 30 seconds into the game. The second-year Los Angeles Lakers guard displayed his quick instincts and athleticism during the “California Classic” at the Chase Center, pouncing on a steal from Miami Heat’s Kasparas Jakučionis.
James scooped up the loose ball, swiftly transitioning to a fast break and soaring for a powerful one-handed dunk just past the free-throw line. This early highlight not only captivated the audience but also reflected his potential in the NBA Summer League 2025.
Despite being just 6-foot-2, Bronny demonstrated remarkable bounce and vertical leap, making up for his height with his explosive athleticism. After his dunk, James showed his composure, walking slowly past the baseline, and giving a stare-down that echoed his father’s signature moments.
Bronny’s Scoring Touch in the NBA Summer League 2025
Bronny’s performance in the first half continued to impress. Just a minute and a half after his dunk, he knocked down the first of two 3-pointers on the day. By halftime, James had accumulated 10 points, and although he played only 11 minutes in a 103-83 Lakers victory, his presence on the court was felt. Despite having the fewest minutes of any of the Lakers’ five starters, James showcased a strong offensive skill set.
His shooting was efficient, finishing with 3 of 7 from the field, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. James also grabbed two rebounds and had a steal that led to his highlight-reel dunk. His performance, though brief, was a solid start to his participation in the NBA Summer League 2025.
Learning From His Rookie Season
Coming off a rookie season with the Lakers, where he averaged 2.3 points per game in 6.7 minutes, James showed flashes of his potential. He had a standout moment on March 20 when he scored 17 points in a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. In the G League, however, James thrived with the South Bay Lakers, averaging 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.
While his shot wasn’t always falling in the Summer League opener, missing three consecutive attempts after starting 2 for 2, his confidence was evident, especially with his second 3-pointer before the break. With a +4 plus/minus, James’ debut performance was a promising start to his 2025 NBA Summer League campaign.
Other Lakers Players Struggle
While James shined, fellow 2024 draftee Dalton Knecht continued to struggle. Knecht, who had a tough outing the day before, missed all three of his 3-point attempts, contributing only four points. However, Cole Swider stepped up, leading the Lakers with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, giving the Lakers solid scoring depth.
TL;DR: Bronny James impressed in his NBA Summer League 2025 debut, scoring 10 points in the first half, including a highlight-reel dunk and two 3-pointers. Despite limited minutes, his athleticism and skill stood out in the Lakers’ 103-83 win.
