Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Bronny James went off for 30 points in his road G League debut.
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The statement performance against the Valley Suns on Friday marked a career night for James, who was already coming off a previous career-high mark of 16 points against the San Diego Clippers.
James’ 30 points weren’t enough to see South Bay home though, with the Lakers going down 106-100 despite the rookie’s impressive performance on 13-of-23 shooting.
The second-round pick added three rebounds, two assists and one steal in the loss while scoring in a variety of ways, including mid-range jumpers, off-the-dribble triples and a highlight alley-oop in the second quarter.
James is now averaging 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game and on Friday suited up for his first road game in the G League, having previously only played at home.
That decision drew some criticism, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst declaring it was an example of preferential treatment “gone too far”.
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“Honestly, I know he was getting somewhat special treatment and nepotism, that’s fine. I don’t care. It’s normal,” Windhorst said at the time.
“Now, I think it’s actually detrimental to him. I don’t like that. I don’t know whose idea it was. Obviously the Lakers are fine with it, they’re doing it.
“On this particular instance, I think that’s gone too far, and I don’t think that benefits Bronny, I don’t think it benefits the South Bay Lakers and I don’t think it benefits LeBron at that point.”
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