Grading Bronny James' performance in Lakers debut: A brief appearance makes history

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't make everyone wait to see history made.

Bronny James, who is almost certainly not a part of head coach JJ Redick's regular rotation, got to play for the Lakers in Game 1 of the season. In the process, he was able to make history alongside his illustrious father, the first father and son pairing to play together in the history of the NBA.

Redick lined up the rotation so that LeBron senior and LeBron Jr. checked into the game together, allowing the crowd to take part in the moment. With Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. on hand watching, and the entire James family courtside, a father and son got to play NBA basketball together.

The regular rotation played most of the first half, but then Bronny checked into the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the second quarter. He played three minutes altogether before checking back out as the Lakers continued to build their lead.

How did Bronny James play? Let's take a closer look and grade his performance.

Grading Bronny James' performance

James checked into the game and was bouncy, to be charitable, clearly juiced with extra energy given the occasion. He was active on defense but also got locked into the ball, losing his many a few times as they relocated around the perimeter.

On offense in that stint, Bronny largely spotted up on the perimeter away from the action. His father did bring him into the action a few times. The first time, he hot potato'd the ball right back to LeBron. On the second, however, he spotted up and took a 3-point shot confidently. It missed - bricked hard off the rim, to be precise - but the willingness to shoot was encouraging.

Bronny James did not check back into the game, as it stayed close throughout. The Timberwolves battled back to keep the game in reach throughout the fourth quarter before ultimately losing to the Lakers 110-103.

The G League season doesn't begin until November 8th, so Bronny will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for at least another few weeks. At that point, however, it seems most likely that he will spend most of the year with the South Bay Lakers.

Three minutes, two shots, no points and a rebound. It was a fairly unspectacular performance for Bronny. He has impeccable bloodlines and some upside to continue developing, but he's also clearly not ready to be a part of an NBA rotation. The moment itself was an 'A' but his play on the court was nothing to earn him more minutes.

Grade: D