Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, the eldest son of future Hall of Famer Lebron James, lost a season defeat against the Phoenix Suns in the Palm Desert in Friday’s 103-81 preseason.
Bronny James keeps under 10 points
Bronny James had only eight points from 12 shots from Acrisure Arena (1-1 from 3 points). However, he did get 5 of 6 free throws and 2 assists in the last 23 minutes of action.
“I think their shots are very good,” James said. “Don’t worry, nothing is forced. My legs aren’t as many as I want, so many people are short, but most people are in line. I feel like I can do it.”
Although James played 27 games for the Lakers in his rookie season, most of his growth with the Lakers G League branch was an average of 21.9 points and 5.5 assists.
Bronny James on his 12-1 shooting night: “I wasn’t rushing to force anything. My legs didn’t have as much as I wanted, so I had a lot left.” pic.twitter.com/yfu03lkzyq
– Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 4, 2025
Despite his struggles in the preseason opener, James showed improvements to Lakers coach JJ Redick.
“As a player, he’s more comfortable and confident,” Redick said of Brownie. “Skill-wise, all of these things improve when it comes to reading, but there’s a big difference between improving these things in a single workout and group settings and 5-on-5.
“He’s completely different from the players a year ago. I think what he did in the G League last year is huge for him in terms of his playing level at this level.”
The Lakers don’t have Luka Doncic, LeBron James
In Friday’s defeat, the Lakers have not had Luka Doncic (rest), Lebron James (his hip stimulation), Marcus Smart (left follow-up tendinosis), Maxi Kleber (Quad) and rookie Adou Thiero (swelling left knee).
2024 draft pick Dalton Knecht scored 2-hit percentage from 10 shots from the field, while Deep scored 7 innings.
Additionally, newly acquired center Deandre Ayton made his debut for the Lakers, missing out on his two shots, making four turnovers, grabbing eight rebounds, and earning a free throw in 18 minutes.
Bronny James was ranked 55th by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 Draft at USC. It was nearly a year after the 6-foot-2-inch defender suffered cardiac arrest due to congenital heart defects during exercise.
He and LeBron became the first father-son duo to compete in the NBA game together in the Lakers’ 2024-25 season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bronny plans to earn $1.955 million in 2025-26 and $2.29 million in 2026-27. His deal also includes $2.48 million club options for 2027-28.
The Lakers held the Golden State Warriors on October 21, opening the 2025-26 season.
