Brad Penner-Imagn Images

LeBron James Reacts to Bronny James' 39-Point Explosion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 1:39 AM ET

Bronny James appears to be on track. LeBron James undoubtedly has his back. On Monday, the son, a Los Angeles Lakers rookie, scored a career-high 39 points for the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, in a 122-118 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors.

LeBron had some words of support after Bronny's breakout performance.

"SMILE THROUGH IT ALL YOUNG (king emoji)!!!" LeBron wrote Tuesday on X. "KEEP GOING!!"

Since being drafted in the second round last summer, Bronny has split time between the Lakers' NBA squad and minor-league crew this season. He's been widely criticized but has begun to show signs of improvement as the campaign progresses. His output Monday is another step in the right direction.

"They see an improved, young player deep on their bench, which where he should be at this point in his career," The Athletic's Joe Vardon wrote in a story last week. "Any outside suggestion or expectation that Bronny, who missed half of his lone college season recovering from cardiac arrest suffered during a summer practice caused by a congenital heart defect, would do more for the Lakers than what he's done this season was off base."

For the Los Angeles Lakers this season, Bronny has averaged 2.3 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 23 games. He's shot 32.7% from the field.

Bronny bucketed an NBA career-high 17 points, shooting 7 of 10 from the field, in a 118-89 loss last week. His 30 minutes on the floor in that one were his most in any NBA game this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: