Bronny James’ Unfortunate Bench Moment Goes Viral During Lakers-Suns Clash
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James found himself at the center of social media buzz during the Lakers’ 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns. However, the attention wasn’t for an impressive play or a highlight-reel moment—it was for an unexpected situation on the Lakers’ bench.
With LeBron James sidelined due to a groin injury and Bronny not included in the rotation, fans couldn’t help but notice the young rookie sitting in an unusual spot—on the baseline rather than the team bench. The moment quickly caught fire on social media, sparking plenty of reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Why Was Bronny James Sitting on the Floor?
A viral video captured by a fan inside Crypto.com Arena showed Bronny James sitting on the hardwood near the baseline, rather than on the official Lakers’ bench. Initially, speculation arose that his seat was taken by none other than his father, LeBron James, but a closer look at earlier game footage revealed that injured forward Rui Hachimura was the likely occupant of Bronny’s usual spot.
Despite being a first-year pro, Bronny is still finding his place in J.J. Redick’s rotation. While he has suited up for 39 games this season, he has only seen the court in 19 of them. This isn’t the first time Bronny has been caught in a similar situation—another viral clip from a Lakers-Clippers game earlier this month showed him in a similarly awkward predicament.
Social Media Reactions: Fans Tease Bronny’s Bench Situation
The internet wasted no time making light of Bronny’s seating arrangement, with fans delivering some classic NBA-style trash talk:
- “Bro gon’ criss-cross applesauce the whole game,” joked one fan.
- “Welcome to the league, rook,” another chimed in.
- “He airballed a three last game… hasn’t earned a chair yet,” teased a user.
- “LeBron grounded him for missing shots,” one fan playfully speculated.
While the jokes were plentiful, the reality is that rookies often face unique challenges in their first NBA season, especially when playing alongside an all-time great like LeBron James.
Lakers’ Focus: Snapping Losing Streak & Playoff Push
Beyond the viral moment, the Lakers’ victory over the Suns was much needed after suffering a four-game losing streak. The team’s defensive intensity and Luka Dončić’s 33-point performance were key talking points.
As the 2024-25 NBA season continues, all eyes remain on how Bronny James develops under the pressure of playing in his father’s shadow. Will he eventually carve out a bigger role in the Lakers’ lineup? Or will he continue to find himself in viral off-court moments rather than highlight plays?