Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images
Bronny James had a solid night for the South Bay Lakers on Friday, though it wasn’t nearly enough to prevent his team from suffering a blowout loss against the Cleveland Charge in G League action.
Despite his 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists, the Lakers suffered a 125-113 defeat.
James wasn’t perfect, shooting just 6-of-17 from the field with three turnovers, but it was a solid overall performance.
Emoni Bates (30 points, five rebounds) and Craig Porter Jr. (28 points, 10 assists) absolutely cooked for Cleveland, meanwhile, while Feron Hunt added a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double.
After the contest, the basketball junkies who actually watched the contest praised the younger James for what was a solid if unspectacular performance:
Raquel 🫶🏾 @SOULbeautifulme
Bronny shot bad but it’s good to see that he’s affecting the game in other areas. Since his shot was off, it’s great to see him getting assist & rebound & steals. <br><br>These are all great signs for Bronny growth <a href=”https://t.co/LmxlQNClkj”>https://t.co/LmxlQNClkj</a>
To this point in his young career, scoring has been the primary weakness in James’ game, and more specifically, perimeter shooting.
“I think the biggest thing for his game is consistency, especially from three-point range,” a G League scout told B/R’s Andy Bailey.
It isn’t the only part of his offensive repertoire that is lacking, however.
“If a young player in a limited role isn’t consistently knocking down open catch-and-shoots, then they have to be able to at least attack close-outs and finish around the rim efficiently,” a coach told Bailey. “Unfortunately, he’s struggling in this area just as greatly.”
There is upside for James given his defense and playmaking. But until he can score with a bit more consistency—or at least bury his catch-and-shoot threes—he’ll struggle crack an NBA rotation.