Lakers’ Bronny James Nearing Elite 50/40/90 Club in G League

Bronny James entered the NBA under a brighter spotlight than most second-round picks.

As the son of LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers guard faced intense scrutiny early in his professional career. Critics questioned whether the younger James benefited from his father’s legacy, with some labeling him a “nepo baby” after the Lakers selected him 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Now in his second NBA season, Bronny James is quietly responding with his play — and he is on pace to join one of basketball’s most exclusive statistical clubs in the NBA G League.

Through 11 games with the South Bay Lakers this season, James is tracking toward the 50/40/90 shooting club, the rare benchmark reserved for players who shoot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.

James’ current shooting splits place him firmly in that territory. He is shooting 64 percent on two-point attempts, 43 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line during his G League stint.

The strong efficiency has also translated into winning. South Bay has gone 11-0 in games James has played, and the guard has helped produce a plus-16.2 point differential per 48 minutes when he is on the floor.

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Bronny James Producing Across the Board

James has paired that efficiency with steady all-around production.

Across his 11 G League appearances, the 21-year-old is averaging 15.5 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 26.1 minutes per game.

He continued that strong run Wednesday night when South Bay extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 123-116 victory over the Iowa Wolves.

James scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, while adding two rebounds, three assists and two steals.

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Development Between NBA and G League

James has spent much of the season balancing time between the NBA roster and the Lakers’ G League affiliate.

In 32 NBA games this season, he is averaging 2.1 points and 1.2 assists while shooting 39.7 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range in limited minutes.

The G League has allowed James to expand his role and continue refining his offensive rhythm.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised the development environment created by South Bay and its coaching staff.

“We’re all one team,” Redick said before the Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. “We talk about that all the time. I think Zach [Guthrie]’s done a fantastic job of coaching our players.

“And the G League is in place for development. It was literally called the Development League. It used to be called the D-League, which a lot of people forget. It is the development league.”

Redick added that the system has allowed several young Lakers to gain valuable experience.

“It’s just been an incredible opportunity for our guys to develop,” Redick said. “I thought Bronny had just a fantastic year last year. Adou has done some really good things down there.”

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South Bay Lakers Riding Historic Run

James’ strong play has coincided with one of the best stretches in South Bay franchise history.

The win over Iowa marked the team’s 10th consecutive victory, tying a franchise record while improving its record to 20-8.

Several players tied to the Lakers organization appeared in the contest, including Dalton Knecht, who finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Adou Thiero added six points and four assists in limited minutes while delivering a highlight-reel poster dunk.

Two-way players Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr. and Chris Mañon also featured alongside NBA assignees James and Thiero.

If James maintains his current efficiency the rest of the season, he would join the rare 50/40/90 club — a milestone that would mark another significant step in the young guard’s development as he continues carving out his own path in the Lakers organization.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo