Often criticized during the pre-season, in particular for his great lack of efficiency and impact in attack, Bronny James finally stood out last night. In the blow-out suffered against the Warriors (132-74), the king’s son still managed to score 17 points. Enough to end this preparation on a positive note, at least on a personal level.
You just had to look at the Lakers’ high five at kickoff to understand that winning this game against the Warriors was surely not the priority of the Californian franchise. No LeBron James, no Anthony Davis, no D’Angelo Russell or even Dalton Knecht, but rather a starting five obscure composed of Quincy Olivari, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and therefore Bronny. Opposite, a much more serious team, despite the absence of Steph Curry.
From the end of the first quarter, the tone is set and we quickly understand that these Lakers have no chance. The Warriors gave them a 36-18 from the start and the match was already over. But whatever, the pre-season is for trying things and JJ Redick is not going to deprive himself of it. The new coach of the Lakers makes few changes, and leaves his young shoots to fend for themselves. In this eight-man rotation, one name stands out: that of Bronny James. Yes, if he is not necessarily the one we would have bet on, the fullback is nevertheless having his best game since the start of the pre-season. In 35 minutes spent on the floor, the King’s son sent 17 points (7/17 shooting), 4 rebounds, 3 interceptions and 1 block.
Bronny James pours in 17 PTS, 4 REB, and 3 STL in the @Lakers‘ final #NBAPreseason game! pic.twitter.com/OGVSH00Pex
— NBA (@NBA) October 19, 2024
We are still far from Dalton Knecht’s monumental hot streak during the last match against the Suns, but we must recognize the progress.
We are still talking about a boy in great difficulty offensively, who had only scored 8 small points in five games until then, and with cra-cra percentages (8% at 3-points in preparation). Moreover, Bronny was not the only one to do well, since Quincy Olivari finished the match with 22 pawns, at 5/9 from a distance.
Finally, a quick word also about the Frenchman Armel Traoré, who played a good half hour. The opportunity for him to compile 6 points and 7 rebounds. In the end, the Warriors blew out the Lakers 132 to 74, a difference of… 58 points. Can’t wait for the regular season eh.
