Bronny James’ Summer League debut has quickly become a major talking point across the NBA community. In an 11-minute performance that showcased hustle, improved defense, and a highlight-reel dunk, the Los Angeles Lakers guard had fans buzzing across social media.
How Bronny James’ Summer League Performance Showed Major Growth From His Rookie Season
Bronny, the son of LeBron James, began his NBA journey during the 2024-25 season under a cloud of controversy. Since his draft, he has been one of the most heavily scrutinized young players in both the NBA and G League.
His play never quite matched the pace and physicality of the NBA, which led Lakers head coach JJ Redick to frequently shift him between the G League and the main roster.
According to multiple reports, Bronny showed gradual improvements in the G League during 2024-25. Across 11 starts, he reportedly averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds.
That production didn’t carry over to the NBA hardwood. In 27 games with the Lakers, he averaged just 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes per game while shooting 31.3% from the field.
Now, Bronny appears ready to turn the corner in his second NBA season. His Summer League debut gave fans a reason to be confident because his 10-point game set the tone of the Lakers 103-83 win over the Heat in the California Classic at the Chase Center on Sunday.
Bronny James balled out in first Summer League appearance of 2025
• 10 PTS in 11 minutes
• 3/7 FG
• 2/5 3PT pic.twitter.com/zpDBpDvas7— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) July 6, 2025
In that short time, the second-year guard made a highlight-reel steal and an impressive one-handed dunk just 30 seconds into the game. He also added two three-pointers, two rebounds, and a steal. The performance marked a stark contrast to his struggles during his rookie campaign.
Bronny shot 42.9% from the field and 40% from three-point range in his debut. Those numbers represent a significant improvement from his 31.3% field goal percentage during the 2024-25 regular season. His defensive intensity also stood out, something that became a focal point of his development in the G League.
Why NBA Fans Are Calling Bronny’s Development ‘Night and Day’ Different
A community that once criticized him is now praising his visible growth. One user wrote, “Bronny moving me… It’s a night and day difference between how he looked out there last year and how he looks out there today.”
Bronny moving me…Its a night and day difference between how he looked out there last year and how he looks out there today
— (@deadboylyfee) July 6, 2025
Another echoed the sentiment, noting, “Bronny James’ self-awareness in understanding that his pathway towards being an impactful player in the league, at least in the short-term, is by being a strong defender is great to see.”
Bronny James’ self-awareness in understanding that his pathway towards being an impactful player in the league, at least in the short-term, is by being a strong defender is great to see
And he’s done exactly that so far this summer league by embracing a role as a perimeter pest
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) July 6, 2025
A third fan added, “Nice Summer League debut for Bronny today. Looked good on both sides of the ball.” A fourth one commented, “It’s just one game, but Bronny looks leaps and bounds better than he did last summer. Development coming along nicely.”
It’s just -one- game, but Bronny looks leaps and bounds better than he did last summer. Development coming along nicely
— Matthew Peralta (@_MatthewPeralta) July 6, 2025
One user explained, “Bronny only played 11 minutes but showed enough flashes that his game has grown in some ways to start this summer… Really liked how he came out and hustled on defense.”
Bronny James Highlights vs Miami Heat |
11 MIN
10 PTS
2 3PT
2 REB
1 STL
+ 4 +/-Bronny only played 11 minutes but showed enough flashes that his game has grown in some ways to start this summer. Really liked how he came out and hustled on defense, I know coach JJ Redick took… pic.twitter.com/JpMJve7u4d
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) July 6, 2025
The praise extends beyond social media reactions. Bronny’s defensive positioning and court awareness looked more refined compared to his early NBA appearances. His ability to read passing lanes and create turnovers showed the kind of instincts that translate well to the professional level.
Even LeBron joined in, posting several Instagram stories celebrating his son’s steal and dunk. After sitting out the Lakers’ first Summer League game against the Warriors, Bronny’s 10-point performance could be the spark he needs to stay in rhythm. Based on this start, he may not be sitting out many more games this summer.
The California Classic continues with the Lakers facing additional competition before the main Summer League tournament in Las Vegas. Bronny will have more opportunities to build on this momentum and prove that his development has reached a new level heading into the 2025-26 season.
