The Lakers blew out the Wizards 134-96 on Thursday night, giving head coach JJ Redick an option to play rookies and young players. Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, got 12 minutes of action, and at one point, the Wizards crowd chanted “MVP, MVP, MVP!” for Bronny.
Bronny Gets First MVP Chants
Some might say that the Wizards faithful were trolling Bronny. Since entering the league as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he has been the subject of mockery because of the perceived nepotism. LeBron’s son, for his part, took the chants gracefully as he made his free throw.
His father led the way in the game with 24 points and 11 assists. Rui Hachimura added 22 points and Shake Milton scored 21 points off the bench. In the fourth quarter, fans in the arena started chanting MVP for Bronny. Even the commentator laughed, but LA’s most famous rookie was not stressed by it.
Bronny Had a Solid Game
You can say this was one of the best games Bronny has played in the NBA. He had a career-high five points and added two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 12 minutes of action. He made his presence felt by recording a steal and creating an offensive opportunity for himself. He also threw an alley-oop and had an and-one that got the crowd into it. Even his father jumped in and cheered for the magnificent move.
Bronny’s minutes were the second-highest total of the season. His previous highest was against the Sixers in Philadelphia when he played for 15 minutes. This time, he shot 1-6 from the field but made all three of his free throws. The tough and-one came with 2:53 left in the game when he was isolated at the top of the key. He blew by his defender and scored a tough and-one.
Bronny’s Season So Far
Of course, Bronny does not have an MVP season. But you can say that for a 55th pick, he is at least getting some playing time. Whether that is because of his father, or because the organization believes in him, it is a different story.
So far, Bronny has appeared in 14 games for the Lakers, and has recorded nine points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and shot 2-22 from the field. He has yet to make a three-point shot.
The young rookie is a development project, and he is spending most of the time in the G League. You can argue he is having a solid season in the G league, averaging 13.4 points on 36.6% shooting from the floor. He had a career-high 31 points against the Rip City Remix, Portland’s affiliate team.
JJ Praised Bronny’s Mentality
Recently, Lakers coach JJ Redick talked about Bronny’s mentality after a tough night in Philly. Against the 76ers, LeBron’s son played 15 minutes but went scoreless. After the game, Redick talked about the mentality of Bronny and how he is always ready to contribute when called.
“He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great. You know, in the stay-ready games. And he’s been playing great in the G League. So, I have confidence in him.”
Photo credit: © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
