“Outshine Steph Curry” – LeBron James Makes the Basketball World Buzz with Praise for Bronny

Bronny James, the son of NBA icon LeBron James, is making serious waves in the 2K25 NBA Summer League, and the world is taking notice. With his recent performance, Bronny hasn’t just impressed fans and coaches—he’s statistically outperformed Stephen Curry’s rookie Summer League run, a fact that has caught the attention of everyone from NBA veterans to social media pundits.

In what has been one of the most exciting and symbolic moments of the Summer League, LeBron James praised his son publicly, noting Bronny’s potential to follow in his legendary footsteps. This wasn’t just a proud dad moment—it was a spotlight announcement that the next James generation might just be ready to carry the torch forward.

Let’s break down the numbers, the emotional weight of this milestone, and what it means for the NBA’s future.

Bronny James’ Summer League Brilliance Leaves Fans and Legends Speechless

At only 16 years old, Bronny James showed poise, maturity, and a high basketball IQ that belied his age. In his latest Summer League appearances for the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny scored 17 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out five assists, and knocked down three 3-pointers—in just one game.

In his next two outings, he put up 17 and 18 points, respectively, while shooting an impressive 44 percent from the field. Across all games, Bronny averaged a field goal percentage of 38.7%, clearly outperforming Stephen Curry’s 32.5% from his 2009 Summer League debut.

It’s a small but impactful stat that fans are clinging to—not because it determines Bronny’s long-term greatness, but because it signals possibility, hope, and a new generation of star power.

LeBron James Reacts: A Father’s Pride and a Legend’s Endorsement

For LeBron James, this moment wasn’t just about numbers. It was emotional. Taking to Instagram, LeBron shared a picture of Bronny alongside a quote from the report, captioning it:
“This kid is the truth. What a time to be alive. Keep going, Young King. I’m beyond proud.”

Seeing his son wear the purple and gold while exceeding expectations triggered a wave of support across the basketball community. Former players, analysts, and fans alike responded with overwhelming positivity. But perhaps the most touching part was LeBron’s visible pride—not as an NBA champion, but as a father watching his child excel.

Bronny James vs. Stephen Curry – A Statistical Snapshot

Let’s put this into perspective.

• Stephen Curry (2009 Summer League):

  • Averaged 17.4 PPG

  • 4.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.2 steals

  • 32.5% shooting

• Bronny James (2025 Summer League):

  • Averaging 17–18 PPG

  • 5 rebounds, 5 assists

  • 38.7% shooting

  • 44% FG in recent games

While Curry had a complete stat line and ultimately became one of the greatest shooters in history, Bronny’s numbers are comparable and in some cases superior—especially considering his age and stage in development.

A Viral Moment: “Bronny Has a Higher FG% Than Steph Curry!”

Basketball Twitter went into overdrive when Basketball Forever posted:

“Bronny has a higher FG% at Summer League than Steph Curry had 🔥”

The image showed a confident Bronny in his Lakers jersey above the stat:
Bronny: 36.6%
Steph Curry: 32.5%

With over 8.3K likes and 640+ replies, the post exploded in popularity, further fueling the narrative of a new rising star. While Curry’s impact on the NBA is unquestioned, this side-by-side comparison gave Bronny a moment in the sun and proved that he’s not just “LeBron’s kid”—he’s becoming his own headline.

Can Bronny James Truly Follow in His Father’s Footsteps?

That’s the million-dollar question—and for now, the answer looks promising. Bronny James has already faced immense pressure simply due to his last name, and yet he carries himself with a humility and quiet confidence that has impressed scouts and fans alike.

Unlike many second-generation athletes, Bronny isn’t coasting on reputation. He’s working, grinding, and performing. His court vision, off-ball movement, and ability to read defenses suggest a high ceiling. If anything, he seems to embrace the expectations and uses them as fuel.

And LeBron? He’s doing the balancing act between being a supportive father and NBA teammate. The idea of both of them sharing the floor in a regular-season game is not just possible—it’s now plausible.

NBA Analysts Weigh In: “Bronny is Built for the Big Stage”

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said during a broadcast:

“You can’t coach basketball IQ and calm under pressure. Bronny has both. The Lakers have a gem developing right under their noses.”

Kendrick Perkins added:

“This boy Bronny ain’t just playing basketball. He’s playing with a purpose. If the Lakers are smart, they’ll groom him with the same care and intention they gave Kobe and LeBron.”

Even former stars like Dwyane Wade chimed in on social media, congratulating Bronny for “keeping the legacy alive.”

A Historic Opportunity: Father-Son Duo on the Same Team

The possibility of LeBron James and Bronny James sharing the court for the Lakers in a regular-season game would be a historic first in NBA history. Never before has a father-son duo played together professionally in the NBA.

If Bronny continues on his current trajectory, that dream might come true as early as this upcoming season. The Lakers are reportedly already exploring marketing strategies and ticket promotions around this historic potential.

A New Chapter for the Lakers?

With Bronny’s emergence and LeBron’s commitment to remaining with the Lakers, the team now has a rare blend of experience and youth. Add in Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and other rising talents, and LA may soon have one of the most exciting rotations in the league.

Bronny’s maturity, especially in media interviews and post-game reflections, also sets him apart. He speaks with humility, often deflecting credit to his teammates and coaches—a rare trait in the social media-driven world of modern sports.

Bronny James Isn’t the Next LeBron—He’s the First Bronny

Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: Bronny James isn’t trying to be his father. He respects the legacy, but he’s creating his own identity, style, and narrative.

He’s not a carbon copy. He’s smaller, quicker, more agile, and plays with a guard’s intuition rather than a forward’s power. He’s also showing a sharper early shooting touch than his father did at the same stage of development.

That’s not to say he’ll have a better career—but it shows that Bronny is carving his own road, and it’s a road paved with immense potential.

Conclusion: The King Has a Prince—and He’s Ready to Reign

In what’s already being dubbed the Summer of Bronny, the young guard has done more than fill a stat sheet—he’s reignited hope for Lakers fans and reminded the NBA world that greatness doesn’t skip a generation.

While it’s far too early to compare him directly to LeBron or Curry in terms of legacy, Bronny James has shown he belongs. He’s earned his place in the conversation. And if his upward trajectory continues, the league better be ready.

Because Bronny James isn’t just the son of a legend.
He might just become one himself.