Wed Feb 05 05:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers Rookie Bronny James Struggles in First Significant NBA Action
**Philadelphia, PA** – Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James had a tough outing in his first significant NBA minutes, failing to score and committing three turnovers in 15 minutes during the Lakers’ 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted to second-guessing his decision to insert James into the starting lineup.
James, the team’s second-round draft pick and son of LeBron James, was recalled from the G League’s South Bay Lakers just a day before the game. He had been playing well in the G League, recently scoring a season-high 31 points, but the jump to the NBA proved challenging. Redick hoped James would bring energy to the team playing on a back-to-back, but he instead struggled against the Sixers’ strong defense, particularly against Tyrese Maxey who scored 43 points.
“He didn’t play well,” Redick stated post-game. “Maybe I put him in a tough spot. It was a nationally televised game in Philly, a lot going on.” James himself acknowledged the difficulty, citing Maxey’s skill and the unexpected nature of his call-up. “It just came out of nowhere,” he said.
Despite the rough performance, both James and his father expressed confidence in his future growth. LeBron James emphasized that this was his son’s first real opportunity to play significant minutes with the main roster and expects improvement with future opportunities. Bronny James himself noted his improved preparedness since his opening night appearance alongside his father.
First Piper 