With several key names sidelined Tuesday night, Bronny James finally got a real window of opportunity-and he made the most of it.
The Lakers were short-handed against the San Antonio Spurs, with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton all sitting out due to injuries. That left head coach JJ Redick with a makeshift starting five: Kobe Bufkin, Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes. Bronny didn’t crack the starting lineup, but he ended up logging the most minutes off the bench-a notable shift for a player who’s spent much of the season bouncing between the end of the bench and the G League.
And while the game itself quickly got away from the Lakers-the Spurs jumped out early and never looked back-Bronny gave fans a glimpse of what he can bring when given extended run. He finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and six assists on an efficient 5-for-10 shooting night.
It wasn’t just the stat line-it was how he played. He looked comfortable initiating the offense, showed poise with the ball in his hands, and wasn’t afraid to take his shot when the opportunity came.
This wasn’t a breakout game in the traditional sense. The Lakers were overmatched, and the scoreboard reflected that from the jump.
But in a season where Bronny’s minutes have been sporadic at best, this was a meaningful step forward. He didn’t just fill space-he contributed, and he looked like he belonged.
For a young player still trying to carve out a role in the league, these kinds of performances matter. They build trust with the coaching staff, and they show flashes of potential that can be developed over time. Bronny’s still in the early stages of his NBA journey, but Tuesday night was a reminder: give him the minutes, and he might just give you something to think about.