Bronny James Sets New Highs In Depleted Lakers' Loss To Bucks

On a night when not much went right for the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James was the bright spot.

The oldest son of LeBron James set career highs with 17 points and five assists in his most extensive NBA minutes in a 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.

With his injured star father watching from the bench, James was the Lakers' most effective offensive player in a game in which they were missing their top four scorers because of injury. Bronny James was 7 of 10 from the field, showing the growth and promise that makes head coach JJ Redick confident the 20-year-old can and will contribute as a professional.

"We've obviously monitored him in the G League and feel like he's, you know, in those sort of end game situations when he's gotten a chance to play with us, he's been really good," Redick said. "So not surprised by tonight."

James got the opportunity to play more because starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were each held out because of sprained right ankles, joining LeBron James groin and Rui Hachimura patella in street clothes. Important bench options Dorian Finney-Smith left ankle and Jarred Vanderbilt right groin strain were also out.