With most of the team's top players sidelined, Lakers rookie Bronny James was called in for the team's final preseason game against the Golden State Warriors.

James got the start and played alongside some experienced Lakers, but especially with the team's development projects.

While the team fell well short and suffered a 58-point loss to the much more experienced Warriors, who gave it their all, James turned in his best professional performance to date.

In 35 minutes, James scored 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting and managed to add four rebounds, one assist, three steals and a block. He finished the night as the team's second-leading scorer behind Quincy Olivari.

Although the offensive efficiency wasn't quite there, James found plenty of balls and proved that his do-it-all style is certainly viable at the highest level of basketball.

Up to this point, the 20-year-old and son of current Lakers superstar LeBron had not achieved much success in the Summer League or in the preseason.

It has yet to be confirmed whether the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will play on the Lakers' main roster this season. However, it is widely expected that he will spend much of his debut year developing the South Bay Lakers.

At around 1.80 meters tall, James has truly fascinating skills as a defensive-minded defender with passing commands, but he has not yet found an offensive role or rhythm in his professional career. His time at South Bay could help him find just that and potentially lead him to an NBA career.

The Lakers will open their season on Tuesday, October 22nd against the Minnesota Timberwolves. If James and his father take the court during this game, they will historically become the first father-son duo to compete in the regular season.

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