In a hard-fought game against the Denver Nuggets in Colorado, the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers showed resilience but ultimately fell 131-126. Despite the loss, Bronny James stood out, playing a career-high 16 minutes in the NBA.
Bronny contributed five points, two rebounds, and one steal, including a three-pointer made out of five attempts. His performance was a bright spot on a challenging night for the Lakers, who came into the game on a three-game losing streak and without key players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber. Head coach JJ Redick made it clear that all available players would see minutes, including Bronny, who recently returned from a stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
“Putting in work behind the scenes, it’s just been very good for me… it’s been going well for me,” Bronny said after his record-setting performance. His time in the G League, where he averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, has helped him gain confidence and prepare for the NBA stage.
Austin Reaves shines in Lakers’ valiant effort
Despite facing the second-best team in the Western Conference, the Lakers put up a strong fight, staying competitive until the final minutes. Austin Reaves led the charge with an impressive stat line of 37 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, proving his value as one of the team’s key players.
The Los Angeles Lakers react to a shot by Gabe Vincent #7 in the second half against the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
However, the Nuggets’ star duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić proved too much to handle. Murray, known for his clutch performances against the Lakers, finished with 26 points, while Jokić, strengthening his MVP case, added 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. For the Lakers, Dalton Knecht (32 points) and Shake Milton (16 points off the bench) also delivered strong performances.
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Bronny James’ development: A positive sign for the Lakers
Bronny James’ increased playing time and contributions are a positive sign for the Lakers’ future. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, combined with his growing confidence, highlights his potential to become a key piece for the team. While the Lakers continue to navigate injuries and setbacks, performances like Bronny’s offer hope for the franchise’s long-term outlook.
Despite the loss, the Lakers’ resilience and competitive spirit against a top-tier team like the Nuggets demonstrate their determination to fight through adversity. As Bronny continues to develop and the team gets healthier, the Lakers aim to turn these hard-fought battles into victories.
