Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, Bronny James, the rookie from the Los Angeles Lakers and son of LeBron James, garnered significant attention. Amidst a steady stream of criticism, he demonstrated notable improvement, leading the Lakers to believe that he could evolve into a valuable role player for the team. Although his rookie season limited him to minimal playing time, his potential is viewed as something that could be realized as early as the next season. While his contributions were modest, James distinguished himself in one particular area—his social media following, further fueled by his famous lineage.
Bronny James ranks among the most followed players in the NBA, standing at 18th place with approximately 7.9 million followers. His father, LeBron, dominates this arena with an impressive 159.7 million followers. Other notable NBA players also appear on the list, such as Stephen Curry in second place with 58.1 million followers, and Russell Westbrook in third with 22.9 million. Interestingly, Bronny’s presence on social media reflects not just his familial connections but also his efforts in crafting his own identity and brand.
Throughout the season, Bronny participated in 27 games, making one start. He accumulated only 62 points, complemented by 22 assists, 18 rebounds, and nine steals. His shooting statistics were modest as well, with a field goal percentage of 31.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 28.1%. However, he had a breakout performance on March 20 against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, alongside five assists, three rebounds, and a block. This moment signified a potential turning point for his rookie campaign.
In addition to his time in the NBA, Bronny also had significant playtime in the G-League, participating in 11 games with the South Bay Lakers. In this league, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, showcasing an improved shooting percentage of 44% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. These experiences in the G-League seemed to enhance his skills, offering him more opportunities to adapt to the professional level of play.
After wrapping up his rookie season, Bronny shared his reflections, stating, “I thought I got better. I thought I grew as a player and a person.” His acknowledgment of growth is significant, as it reveals his understanding of the slow but necessary progression many young athletes experience. He indicated that, while he feels he has made strides, there is still considerable work to be done in his development.
As the offseason unfolds, expectations are high for Bronny James as he continues to refine his skills in preparation for the 2025-26 NBA season. It is anticipated that his hard work will provide him with more significant playing time, confirming the Lakers’ belief in his potential as an integral player in the future. Fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on his progress, eager to see how he develops in the coming years.
