Bronny James’ dazzling performance excited the fans. The game between the Lakers and Spurs was truly fascinating.

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The Los Angeles Lakers clinched a thrilling 89-88 win in their third NBA Summer League game, but much of the spotlight shone on rookie guard Bronny James and his polarizing performance.

Bronny, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, finished with a modest stat line: two points, one rebound, one assist, and two steals in 15 minutes of play, shooting just 1-for-5 from the field. While his numbers may not leap off the page, his impact—particularly on defense—sparked a flurry of reactions across social media.

Apr 13, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) awaits the next play against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Fans and analysts alike weighed in:

@I_am_Buonocore: “He’s going to be just fine.”
@kingthie23: “Played great defense. Focus on the positives, like Knecht and Bazley having huge games.”
@Woodblock7zero7: “How does he only play 15 minutes in a Summer League game? This should be the time where he’s getting crazy clock.”
@RJP757: “His defensive assignment had 2 points, shot 1-7.”
@pieterboon5: “Can we just let him be and see what he will become in a couple of years? And stop talking like he is a top 5 draft pick that has something to prove. He was pick number 55.”

Not everyone was impressed by the constant attention:

@GBOVFL22: “I keep getting ESPN updates about ‘Bronny James and the Lakers.’ They’ve really gotta quit that if this is the stat line he’s putting up.”
Skip Bayless: “I’m watching Bronny’s Lakers play a Summer League game at the Chase Center in San Francisco and it looks like the number of fans in the stands match Bronny’s number—9. COME ON, PEOPLE, THIS IS LEBRON JAMES JR. Such shameful disrespect.”

Despite the divided opinions, Bronny’s defensive effort did not go unnoticed, with some pointing out that his primary matchup was held to just two points on 1-for-7 shooting.

The Lakers now turn their focus to Las Vegas, where they’ll continue their Summer League campaign. Next up: a marquee matchup against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

As the world continues to watch Bronny’s every move, one thing is clear—his journey is just beginning, and the story is far from over.