Lakers' Bronny James Among NBA's Elite in One Unique Category
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Throughout the entire 2024-25 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was constantly talked about. He received a lot of criticism throughout the year, but he also showed improvement throughout the year.
In the future, the Lakers firmly believe that he has the potential to be a legitimate role player for the team. That future might be as early as next season.
While he didn't play much as a rookie, James is among the NBA's best in one unique category.
Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a foul shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of the 2024 California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 06,...
Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a foul shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of the 2024 California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 06, 2024 in San Francisco, California. More
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
As shared by NBA Central on X, James is among the most followed NBA players on social media. Being LeBron James' son has something to do with that, but Bronny has done an excellent job of building his name and brand as well.
Read more: Former 4-Time NBA All-Star Unveils Shocking Mavericks, Cooper Flagg Take
Among all NBA players, James ranks No. 18 with 7.9 million followers.
His father, LeBron, leads all players with a stunning 159.7 million followers. Stephen Curry comes in second with 58.1 million, Russell Westbrook is in third with 22.9 million, Kyrie Irving is fourth with 20.3 million, and Lonzo Ball is fifth with 18.1 million.
Throughout his rookie season, James played in 27 games and made one start. He scored 62 total points, dished out 22 assists, grabbed 18 rebounds, and recorded nine steals. James shot 31.3 percent from the floor and 28.1 percent from three-point range.
James had his best game of the season on March 20 against the Milwaukee Bucks, when he scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting to go along with five assists, three rebounds, and a block.
Read more: Warriors Are Reportedly Already Preparing to Trade for Celtics Star
In addition to playing 27 games at the NBA level, James saw a lot of action in the G-League. He played in 11 games for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 38 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
Following the season, James spoke out honestly about his rookie season.
"I thought I got better. I thought I grew as a player and a person," he said. "More work to be done. I feel like my progression has been slow, but getting better every day."
Expect to continue hearing a lot about James throughout the upcoming NBA offseason. He will continue working hard on his game and might have a shot to earn more meaningful playing time during the 2025-26 campaign.
For more Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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