Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, made his return for his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Summer League.
The Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, July 10, 2025, but unfortunately fell short with a tight 87-85 loss.
The game was filled with anticipation, especially as Bronny went head-to-head with 2025 NBA Draft No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who was selected by the Mavericks.
Bronny James’ Performance Against the Mavericks
Bronny started the game on a high note, making his first two shots. This early success had fans hopeful that he might make a significant impact in the game. However, his performance was mixed, and he struggled to find his rhythm as the game progressed.
Despite his early success, Bronny did not make another field goal for the rest of the game, including a crucial three-pointer attempt in the closing seconds that could have won the game for the Lakers.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, Bronny had recorded 8 points. His shooting line for the game stood at 2-for-8 from the field, and he was 1-for-6 from behind the three-point line. In addition to his scoring, Bronny grabbed 2 rebounds, handed out 2 assists, and had 1 turnover in 20 minutes and 51 seconds of play.
Despite showing flashes of his potential, such as his defense and his early offense, he didn’t make a huge impact during the later stages of the game.
Looking Back at Bronny’s Previous Performance
Before the matchup with the Mavericks, Bronny had already played in a game against the San Antonio Spurs during the California Classic, which ended in a narrow 89-88 victory for the Lakers. In that game, Bronny’s performance was less than stellar, with only 2 points, 2 steals, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in 15 minutes of play.
He struggled with his shooting, going 1-for-5 from the field and 0-for-2 from three-point range. Despite the underwhelming performance, his effort on defense was noticeable, which has been an area of focus for him in his Summer League journey.
What’s Next for Bronny James and the Lakers?
Bronny James and the Lakers will look to bounce back in their next game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, July 12, 2025. This game presents another opportunity for Bronny to showcase his growth and development as he continues to adjust to the higher level of competition in the NBA Summer League.
Fans are eager to see how he progresses as a player and how he complements his teammates, including his father’s long-time Lakers colleague, Anthony Davis.
As Bronny continues to get more experience, both on the court and off, there is a lot of excitement surrounding his future in the NBA. While the Summer League games may not always result in wins, they are a critical part of a young player’s development, and Bronny is showing that he is willing to put in the work and learn from each game.
Bronny James’ performance in the Lakers’ loss to the Mavericks shows a lot of promise despite the final result. His early success, solid defense, and leadership in the game speak to his potential as he grows into an NBA player. While the Lakers lost, the game was an important learning experience for Bronny as he continues to improve and develop his game.
With more games ahead in the Summer League, the Lakers will look to build on their experience and continue to support Bronny’s journey as a young player in the league. Fans can look forward to seeing how he performs in upcoming games and whether he can deliver when the stakes are high.
