Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James said Friday that he can see improvement within his game after logging a season-high 15 minutes in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.
James finished with five points, two rebounds and one steal off the bench for the short-handed Lakers, who were without LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith, among others. He went 1-of-5 from the field and was a plus-eight on the court.
The 55th pick scored all five points in the first quarter to help the Lakers build an early 40-32 lead. He knocked down a 3-pointer and made a pair of free throws in the four-minute stint.
“I’m always just trying to stay ready as much as I can,” James said. “Whether I’m playing in the G (League) or up here with the big guys, I’m always trying to stay ready. I’m always ready to go at it and give my full effort.”
James has had the chance to log extended minutes with the South Bay Lakers, with playing time at a premium in the NBA. He is averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals on 31.4% shooting from 3-point range in 16 appearances.
The 20-year-old has registered two 30-point outings with South Bay, including a career-high 31 points, three assists, three steals and two rebounds on Jan. 24. He is still one of four players in the G League to score 30 points in 25 minutes or fewer after reaching that mark on Dec. 12.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said previously that James is improving on the court in the G League and making good decisions as a scorer and playmaker. James believes that improvement is beginning to show on the court for the parent team.
“I always try to stay as low key as I can, whether that is media or living life,” James said. “Putting in the work behind the scenes has been really good for me. I worked all summer before the draft and I’m still working right now, so I can see improvement and it has been going well for me.”
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