Bronny James Stats Tonight: How did Lakers guard fare against Phoenix Suns (Dec. 23) | 2025-26 NBA Season

The LA Lakers recalled Bronny James from the G League ahead of their game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Injuries to Luka Doncic (leg), Rui Hachimura (groin) and Gabe Vincent (back) prompted Lakers coach JJ Redick to put the sophomore guard on the active list. A few minutes into the fourth quarter, James entered the game.

Redick inserted LeBron James' son with 9:50 left for Deandre Ayton. The younger James did not attempt his first shot until 5:05 remaining. With the shotlock winding down, he launched a 31-footer that went wide.

A few possessions later, James turned the ball over. The combo guard missed another shot after Suns rookie Rasheer Fleming drained an attempt from behind the arc. James' forgettable night ended when he fed Lakers first-year forward Adou Thiero for a layup.

After trailing by 67-57 at halftime, the Lakers faced a 112-86 deficit entering the fourth quarter. Bronny James and the other seldom-used players closed out the Lakers' 132-108 loss.

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Bronny James' forgettable December continues in Lakers' loss to Suns on Tuesday

The last time Bronny James played before he was sent to the G League again was against the San Antonio Spurs 10 days ago. James, who played a minute in the Lakers' 132-119 loss could not statistically contribute anything.

Heading into the highly awaited rematch against the Suns, James had been averaging 4.7 minutes per game, a big drop from his 10.5 mpg last month. He is averaging 1.7 points and 0.7 assists per outing in December. James' output in Phoenix isn't going to make a dent in his season production.

Against the Suns, James seemed to lack aggressiveness and a sense of urgency. He hardly looked at the rim and missed both shots he took. The former Trojan has had some good games in the G League but has been out of sorts in the NBA.

Lakers fans have called James' appearances as indicative of how badly they have been doing. Once he enters, it often means their team has already given up.

Edited by Michael Macasero