"No such thing as breakout in G league" - Snoop Dogg gets honest on Bronny James' career performance on South Bay Lakers
LA Lakers rookie Bronny James has had the best game of his career so far, albeit in the G-League. James scored 30 points for the South Bay Lakers during their contest against the Valley Suns on Thursday and his performance has been the talk of the town.
Snoop Dogg, who was the special guest on the Dec. 13 episode of ESPN's "First Take" was asked about it. Specifically, he was asked if this could be considered the rookie's breakout game after he's struggled at the start of his maiden campaign.
The rapper candidly shared that he did not think this was James' breakout game.
"I think it's experience," Snoop Dogg said. "No such thing as a breakout in the G-League, come on now quit playing with me. That's experience, you know what I'm saying? You're getting experience and you're getting some know-how to have that killer instinct with guys that more your level.
"But when you get to the big game, them little dudes over there are not going to be playing in that NBA game. But it's good work, it's good information, it's teaching him how to actually attack." (3:04-3:26)
On Thursday, Bronny James registered 30 points on a 13-for-23 shooting clip (3-for-9 on 3-pointers). He also registered three rebounds and two assists as well as a steal and a block.
He was the only player for South Bay to score more than 20 points and was the player with the highest points total on both teams. However, South Bay still ended up losing 106-100.
Also read: Watch: 190lbs Bronny James bullies his defender and talks trash after scoring season-high points
Stephen A. Smith 'rooting for' Bronny James
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith also gave his opinion on Bronny James after his 30-point performance in the G League. (Start at 3:33)
"What I love about it is when he does what he did last night, you're validating that ultimate ascension that everybody is hoping for. Nobody is rooting against this kid. The only people hating on him are the people hating on LeBron James, which is ridiculous. I know I'm rooting for him.
"I haven't met anybody that is rooting against Bronny James, but you want to see him earn it the right way because if he doesn't, then there is going to be an elevated level of criticism that comes in his direction because he is LeBron's son instead of his own man."
Bronny James seems to be finding some footing in the G-League with the South Bay Lakers. However, the same can't be said yet for when he's on the main roster.
Bronny has appeared in more games on the LA Lakers' main roster compared to its G-League affiliate. In total, he has played seven games on the main roster and only four in the G-League.
In those seven appearances, he has registered points in only two contests and has yet to score over two points. His first official NBA bucket took place against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 30, which was his second career game.
Meanwhile, he has played four games for the South Bay Lakers and has averaged 14.0 ppg, making 40.4% of his attempts.