Bronny James was quite surprised that the Los Angeles Lakers decided to recall him for their latest run of games on the East Coast. He ended up laying against All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, so it was good experience, to say the least. He didn’t score, but experience is a great thing.
“Nah, I mean, well, I knew beforehand that I was coming and get some minutes but I didn’t know before I got the call to come,” Bronny told reporters after his showing in the Lakers’ 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, January 28.
He added that “It came out of nowhere.”
According to Bronny, he was getting ready for the South Bay Lakers’ game on Wednesday home against the Texas Legends when he got notice that he’d instead be going to Philadelphia to be on hand for their next game. The Lakers were down one guard due to Gabe Vincent’s, which is where Bronny came into play.
“I was just always trying to stay ready to play and always keep my mind right,” Bronny said.
Bronny is gaining experience both in the NBA and G League, but keeping up with NBA stars, of course, is a whole different experience. While some weren’t happy with Bronny’s performance during the game, you have to remember that he’s still learning.
Going Up Against Tyrese Maxey
Maxey and Bronny were paired up for the game, and Maxey was easily the winner. But, that doesn’t mean Bronny isn’t a solid player. It’s a big jump from the G League to the NBA.
Speaking about Maxey, Bronny said, “He’s a fast guard. Amazing touch. Can shoot it. I was trying to stand my ground. Just trying to play as hard as I can and bring as much energy as I can. That’s all.”
After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick took some of the blame.
“Maybe I put him in a tough spot,” Redick said to reporters. “Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G [League].”
Redick added that he has ” confidence in him, but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level.”
Even though Bronny was scoreless for the game, he still helped the team by making three rebounds, one assist and one block.
Bronny is Moving Forward
Bronny doesn’t seem too phased by the rough performance, at least speaking with reporters.
After the game, he said that in the future, he’ll “just keep my aggression up. Trying to be aggressive every game and go out play the right way and bringing all the energy I can.”
He added, “Getting reps is the biggest thing for me. So coming in and playing as much as I can is really good.”
His dad, LeBron James, added, “Obviously, it’s his first extensive minutes with us. We had that first game where it was just a moment — and that was a great moment. But tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, be with the big club, and he’s going to continue to use that and get better and better.”
Bronny will be on hand again when the Lakers take on the Washington Wizards on Thursday, January 30.