The weight of expectation on Bronny James is unlike that of any other late second-round pick in NBA history. Playing alongside his father, LeBron James, for the Los Angeles Lakers ensures every moment on the court is scrutinized. While the Lakers’ preseason has gotten off to a rocky start, a single, explosive play from the rookie guard offered a thrilling glimpse of his athletic potential and sent social media into a frenzy.
Los Angeles Lakers Bronny James: The Dunk That Electrified the Internet
During the Lakers’ second preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, James created a signature moment that reminded everyone of his elite athletic heritage. Following a missed shot, he exploded from the perimeter, timing his jump perfectly to soar above several players. In one fluid motion, he caught the rebound at its peak and hammered it back through the rim with a powerful one-handed putback dunk.
The play was a flash of raw athleticism and instinct. It showcased his vertical leap, court awareness, and the aggressive mindset that coaches love to see. The dunk immediately went viral, with the NBA’s official social media accounts and major sports outlets sharing the clip to millions of viewers. For a player whose early preseason stats were less than stellar, this play was a powerful statement about the kind of impact he can make. It was a reminder that beyond the name on his jersey, Bronny James is an exceptional athlete capable of creating highlight-reel moments.
A Tale of Two Preseasons: The Highlight vs. The Stats
While the dunk was spectacular, Bronny’s overall performance in the first two preseason games highlights the developmental curve for a young player adjusting to the NBA. With stars like his father, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves sitting out, James was given significant minutes to prove himself under new head coach JJ Redick.
In the first preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, James struggled with his shot, finishing with eight points on 1-for-12 shooting in 24 minutes of play. Despite the poor shooting night, he remained confident in his process.
“I felt like they were pretty good shots,” James said after the game. “Not rushed, not forcing anything. Didn’t have my legs under me as much as I wanted to, so a lot of them were short, but most of them were on line. I felt like I could have made those.”
Coach Redick also expressed confidence in the rookie’s growth, noting that he is a “totally different player than he was a year ago” and that his time in the G League was “huge for him in developing a comfort level.”
Against the Warriors, James’ stat line was again modest. He scored five points on 2-of-6 shooting to go along with three rebounds and three assists. However, he also had a game-high five turnovers, a clear sign of a young guard still learning to navigate the speed and pressure of an NBA defense. The viral dunk was the undeniable high point of a night that otherwise underscored the areas where he still needs to develop.
Context is Key: The Lakers’ Preseason Struggles
Bronny’s development is happening within the context of a Lakers team that is working through its own preseason challenges. The team started its 2025 campaign 0-2, with losses to the Suns and Warriors. While preseason records are largely meaningless, these games are crucial for evaluating talent and building chemistry, especially with a new head coach and new additions to the roster.
With the team’s stars resting, players fighting for rotation spots have been given the spotlight. While Gabe Vincent has made a strong case for the backup point guard role with a 16-point, 5-assist performance against Golden State, Bronny is still battling to find his rhythm and prove he can be a reliable contributor. His preseason struggles are not happening in a vacuum; they are part of a broader team effort to find a winning formula.
The challenge for James will be to build on his flashes of brilliance and develop the consistency needed to earn a regular spot in a crowded Lakers backcourt. His defense and basketball IQ have been praised, but he will need to improve his shooting efficiency and decision-making to solidify his role on a team with championship aspirations.
A Glimpse of the Future
As the preseason continues and the regular season approaches, the spotlight on Bronny will not dim. He will need to translate his athletic gifts into consistent production, improve his shooting, and cut down on turnovers. However, his work ethic and confident approach, combined with his natural talent, provide a strong foundation for growth. The viral dunk was a reminder to everyone that while his journey is just beginning, the flashes of greatness are already there.
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