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Bronny James throws down poster dunk, scores career-high 31 points in return to G League

Bronny James scored a G League career-high 31 points, including a poster dunk, in the South Bay Lakers’ 122-110 victory against the Rip City Remix Friday.

James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, made 10-for-22 shots from the field, including 5-for-11 on 3-pointers. He also had three assists, two rebounds and two steals.

Bronny scored 25 of his points in the second half, including 13 in the fourth quarter. He threw down a powerful one-handed dunk for an and-1 opportunity in the third quarter, giving South Bay an 81-80 lead. The dunk was part of a 16-4 run that put South Bay ahead 94-84.

His previous G League career-high in points was 30 set on Dec. 12.

"I’m just trying to get my confidence back is all,” Bronny told Spectrum Sports, adding, "Trying to go out and play my game, learn from every game. While I’m not playing in the G League, learn from the Lakers, learn from my vets and just keep trying to be myself. … I’m happy with my results right now. Anytime I’m playing basketball, anytime I’m out here breathing, anytime I’m out here walking, I’m having fun and I’m grateful."

In July of 2023,  Bronny sustained a life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest while working out on the USC campus.

After playing one season for the USC Trojans, he was a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft (55th overall) and signed a four-year, $7.8 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bronny has played sparingly with his NBA team, appearing in 12 games for a total of 29 minutes. In the G League, he averages 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Earlier in this season, LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son combo to play in the NBA at the same time, and they did it in the same game for the same team.

(This story was updated with additional information.)

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James scores career-high 31 points in return to G League