Tuesday’s McDonald’s All-American Game presented an opportunity for some of the best high school players in the country to impress on a national stage. Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, did so in a huge way.
Bronny has received criticism in the past due to the extremely high expectations that come with being the son of LeBron James. Some felt that he didn’t belong in this game. However, he proved to be right at home against the best talent in his high school class.
James started the game coming off the bench, but quickly made an impression by making a three-pointer that his dad absolutely loved to see sitting courtside.
Bronny's first bucket had LeBron hyped 😤 @SCNext #McDonaldsAllAmericanGame pic.twitter.com/Wds9olUo96
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 29, 2023
His shooting ability was something that translated all night. Bronny finished the game with 15 points while shooting 5 of 8 on three-point attempts while also impressing with some solid defense.
Bronny James went 5-of-8 on 3s in the McDonald’s All-American Game! 🏀🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/aDnpsZ7Z9e
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 29, 2023
While James currently sits outside the top-25 on ESPN’s rankings of the 2023 High School Class, he certainly looked like one of the best players in his class on Tuesday night. Many took to social media to praise him for his solid performance.
15 points (5/8 3P) for projected top-10 pick Bronny James showing why he's so highly regarded by some with an outstanding McDonald's All-American game showing. Also played strong defense and showed off his advanced feel for the game. pic.twitter.com/clsCGAyngd
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 29, 2023
There’s going to be a point when people can’t deny Bronny James.
— Justin Byers (@Justin_A_Byers) March 29, 2023
Here at the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Bronny James already drained a couple 3’s in his first few minutes game. Can also run a team and share the ball.
I wouldn’t have him in Top 10 of my Mock Draft, but he does keep getting better and better. Love his poise and maturity.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 29, 2023
I’m all in on Bronny James. Ideally, he’d be a little taller, but a quick release, smooth stroke, willing defender, bouncy athlete
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) March 29, 2023
Both Bronny James and DJ Wagner showing their shooting range in this McDonald's Game.
That had a been a question mark for both players and something they need to continue to develop.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 29, 2023
It's just one game, but it's THE GAME. Bronny James has 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting (all 3-pointers) in the McDonald's All-American Game. He's looking at Oregon, among other schools.
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) March 29, 2023
It is certainly impressive to see Bronny perform in such a high-level game with extreme pressure on him. LeBron famously took home the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP twenty years ago in a dominant performance. While Bronny James didn’t do that, he did prove that he is a legit prospect who has an extremely bright future at the next level.
James has yet to reveal where he will be playing his collegiate career at. One interesting tidbit is that USC commit and fellow All-American Isaiah Collier revealed on Tuesday night that he has been recruiting Bronny to join him in Southern California.
"There's only one person here uncommitted and y'all should know who that is so we're trying to make it happen."
Isaiah Collier on recruiting Bronny James to USC to @CoryAlexanderVA pic.twitter.com/u78fUgzUvj
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 29, 2023