Importance Score: 32 / 100 🔵
Bronny James Matches Michael Jordan’s Rookie Three-Point Record
In a noteworthy achievement during his inaugural NBA season, Bronny James, son of LeBron James, equaled a regular-season three-point milestone set by basketball legend Michael Jordan. This occurred as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Houston Rockets in a commanding victory.
Lakers Secure Decisive Win Over Rockets
The Lakers clashed with the Houston Rockets on Saturday in their second-to-last game of the regular season. Houston, already guaranteed a playoff berth, opted to rest their key players, resulting in their record dropping to 52-29. The Lakers dominated, securing a 140-109 victory and affording significant playing time to their reserve players.
Bronny James’ Performance Mirrors Jordan’s Rookie Year
During his four minutes on the court, rookie guard Bronny James successfully landed his ninth three-pointer of the season. This accomplishment mirrors Michael Jordan’s three-point tally during his debut NBA season in 1984-85. James had an opportunity to surpass Jordan’s record in the subsequent game against Portland. However, he did not convert any of his two three-point attempts in 38 minutes of play as the Lakers concluded their regular season with a 109-81 defeat.
Season Statistics for the Lakers Rookie
The 55th overall pick in the draft concluded his season having accumulated 62 points, 18 rebounds, and 22 assists across 27 games, including one start for Los Angeles.
Bronny James equaled Michael Jordan’s rookie season three-point count with his ninth successful attempt.
Contrasting Rookie Seasons: James vs. Jordan
While Bronny James matched Jordan’s three-point statistic, their overall rookie seasons present a stark contrast. Michael Jordan’s debut year with the Chicago Bulls was statistically far superior. Jordan averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, amassing a total of 2,313 points.
Jordan’s exceptional rookie performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award and a place on the All-NBA second team.
Furthermore, Jordan’s career trajectory includes six NBA championships and an undefeated record in the NBA Finals, solidifying his status as the consensus greatest of all time (GOAT) in basketball.
Lakers’ Playoff Berth and Postseason Prospects
Despite the loss to Portland, the Lakers concluded the regular season with a 50-32 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. They are set to face Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
Following their NBA title win in 2020, spearheaded by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers experienced first-round exits in both 2021 and 2024. In 2023, they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.