Bronny James impressed fans in his long-awaited return to the South Bay Lakers on Saturday night in their 119-11 victory over the San Diego Clippers.
In his first game since Nov. 17, following recovery from a left heel injury, James posted a career-high 16 points, along with four rebounds, two assists and one block, while shooting 6-of-15 from the field.
After battling back from a 35-24 deficit in the first quarter, the Lakers outscored the Clippers by 12 points in the second quarter to take a one point advantage heading into halftime.
James recorded 10 points on 3-of-7 shooting, along with two rebounds and one assist, while posting a positive plus-minus on the court of plus-nine in the first half.
The No. 55 overall pick added six points in the second half to help propel South Bay to a victory over San Diego, improving the Lakers' record to 4-8 as they currently sit second to last in the West Division.
James shot 0-of-4 from beyond the arc, continuing his shooting struggles this season, but dominated in the paint—a strategy that has proven far more effective for the 20-year-old.
Saturday marked James' third game of the G-League season, where he entered averaging 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
In his last game against the Stockton Kings, James recorded four points, two rebounds and two assists in a 127-122 loss. Prior to that, he scored six points, grabbed three rebounds, dished out four assists and added two steals in a 110-96 victory over the Salt Lake City Stars.
The rookie's return impressed fans following his weeks-long absence, as he continues to uphold the legacy of his father, LeBron James.
The South Bay Lakers will head to Tempe to take on the Valley Suns next Thursday and the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Portland Trailblazers at home on Sunday.
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