Bronny James Stats Tonight: LeBron James' son returns to lineup in blowout loss to LA Clippers (Jan. 19)
LeBron James' son Bronny James returned to the LA Lakers lineup in Sunday's blowout loss to the LA Clippers at the Intuit Dome. Bronny entered the game with 1:40 left as his father and other starters exited the game with a 15-point deficit. However, the second-round pick didn't get much action in that stretch.
Bronny didn't add to his box score across any statistical category. However, he was a +/- -1. The Lakers lost the game 116-102. LeBron James was the Lakers' best player with 25 points and 11 assists. Meanwhile, the Clippers rode behind 20-point games from James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac.
Zubac also had 19 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The Lakers fell to 22-18 on the season and missed the chance to pass the Clippers, who improved to 24-17, in the standings.
LeBron James slams Bronny James' critics
Bronny James has faced severe criticism since he declared for the NBA draft. Critics weren't impressed after the former USC prospect felt he deserved a shot in the league after an underwhelming debut season in college basketball. Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists, shooting a measly 36.6%, including 26.7% from 3 in his lone college campaign.
However, it didn't matter as he secured an NBA roster spot with the Lakers, the franchise led by his father, LeBron James. Bronny didn't get off to a hot start in the pros, either. He struggled in the preseason and the initial few days in the G League. He picked up his performances in December, dropping a career-high 30 points in one of the road games for the South Bay Lakers.
However, that didn't impact the criticism against Bronny. LeBron came to his defense during an appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce's "New Heights" podcast on Jan. 15, saying:
"If you ever meet Bronny, then you'll be like, 'I'm such an idiot to look down on him or not want him to do great.' He is the most chill, easy, fun kid in the world. He goes to work; he goes home; he takes care of his body; he plays his video games; he breathes a little bit, and then he comes back; he does the same thing." (34:25)
Bronny James remains unfazed by the criticism and continues to put in the work. He's been with the Lakers over the past month and could rejoin the South Bay Lakers after not receiving significant playing time over the past few weeks.