Mon Nov 11 04:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Bronny James Makes G League Debut, Draws Attention to South Bay Lakers

**EL SEGUNDO, Calif.** – Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, made his G League debut on Saturday night with the South Bay Lakers, drawing a sell-out crowd and national attention to the organization.

The 20-year-old guard, drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in June, put up 6 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in 31 minutes of play, a performance that was deemed successful by his coach and teammates. While his statistics weren’t spectacular, James’ presence brought a new level of excitement to the game.

“I was just happy to see him get out there and show the world that he can play,” said South Bay Lakers two-way guard Quincy Olivari. “The criticism he gets is unfair. He’s a great basketball player.”

Coach Zach Guthrie highlighted James’ defensive efforts, emphasizing his ability to “dictate on the ball.”

James himself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to develop in the G League. “I’ve seen all the buzz from me going to the G,” he said. “It’s just an amazing experience for me to go out and play my game and get some minutes under me. I’m just excited for it.”

The game drew a crowd of 700, a stark contrast to the previous season’s average attendance. The presence of several Lakers players, including Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell, as well as LeBron and Savannah James, added to the atmosphere.

“It’s one of the great stories in basketball,” said Salt Lake Stars coach Steve Wojciechowski. “When you see him out there, it’s exciting. It’s exciting for the G League, and it brings eyeballs to our league.”

While James will be back with the Lakers for their game against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, his schedule between the two teams remains flexible. “It’s going to be fluid,” said South Bay Lakers president and CEO Joey Buss. “We’re going to do what’s best for his development.”

The attention generated by James’ G League debut has undoubtedly boosted the league’s profile, highlighting its role in developing future NBA stars.

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