Bronny James celebrated his G League road debut by setting a new career high in points.

James led the South Bay Lakers with 30 points in a 106-100 loss to the Valley Suns on Thursday night in Tempe.

James led the team in first-half scoring with 13 points in nine minutes to help push the South Bay Lakers out to a 12-point lead at the break.

James added 17 points in the final two quarters, but the South Bay Lakers were unable to hold off a late comeback by the Valley Suns.

The rookie finished out the game having gone 13-for-23 from the field. He also went 3-for-9 from behind the arc while adding three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.

James' outing impressed fans excited for the No. 55 pick of the 2024 draft to take the next step in his development.

James has appeared in seven NBA games while playing limited minutes for the Lakers during his rookie season, most recently recording one block in Sunday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

He has played in three G League home games. He was averaging 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game heading into Thursday.

The Lakers previously expected James would only to play home games for the South Bay Lakers, according to multiple reports, so his trip to Arizona represents a departure from their original plans.

The South Bay Lakers return to Mullett Arena on Friday night for another game against the Suns. The Lakers play a road game the same night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It is not yet clear which team James will join.

Whether James' father will be playing for the Lakers is also in question. LeBron James was sidelined for Sunday's win over the Blazers with left foot soreness and missed practice on Wednesday for personal reasons.