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HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets in Texas.
The Lakers lost by a score of 115-96.
Bronny James finished with five points, two rebounds and four assists while shooting 2/5 from the field and 1/4 from three-point range in 15 minutes of playing time.
Social Media Reacts To Bronny James’ Performance
GettyA detailed view of Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers jersey during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Here’s what people were saying about Bronny’s performance on social media:
Lakers Daily: “Nah Bronny actually starting to look like a legit rotation player”
@LakersNation: “BRONNY TO ADOU Best play from LA tonight courtesy of the youngsters”
Real App: “LeBron & Bronny both made the same number of shots tonight 🤯”
Lachard Binkley: “Every time Bronny touches the basketball the Rockets are putting all kinds of pressure on him”
@CuffsTheLegend: “Bronny a real HOOPER!”
GettyLos Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick chats with guard Bronny James (9) during a break in the action against the Wizards at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Hoop Central: “BRONNY JAMES HITS A 3. 🔥”
@BronnyMuse06: “OMG WHAT A PASS BRONNY”
Adam Wexler: “Bronny James just checked in and made a 3ptFG with 2:52 left in 3rdQ – that doubled the Lakers 3ptFG made tonight. They’re 2-11, make that 2-12 as Bronny just clanked one on the next possession. #Rockets lead 84-62.”
HoopsHype: “Bronny has a chance of outscoring LeBron tonight.”
NBA Australia: “Bronny James rattles in a 3-pointer off a kickout pass by Marcus Smart 👌”
GettyBronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Bronny finished the regular season with averages of 2.9 points and 1.2 assists per contest while shooting 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range in 42 games.
The former USC guard is in his second year playing for the Lakers.
So far, he has gotten limited playing time in JJ Redick’s rotation.
That said, Bronny has been excellent during his stints with South Bay (G League).
Looking Ahead For Los Angeles
GettyBronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 135-118 Lakers win over the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
The Lakers are the fourth seed in the Western Conference after going 53-29 during the 2025-26 regular season.
They still have a 3-1 lead in the series, so they can close out the Rockets on Wednesday night (at home).
A loss would send the series back to Houston for Game 6.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar