Bronny James, rookie guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, delivered the most impressive performance of his young career in his first road game in the G League on Thursday night.

The 20-year-old scored a game-high 30 points for the South Bay Lakers in a 106-100 loss to the Valley Suns. James shot 13 of 23 from the field, including 3 of 9 from distance, and added three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a blocked shot in 25 minutes.

The breakout game was a significant milestone for James, who struggled with limited opportunities and injuries in his rookie season. James was drafted 55th overall in June and appeared in seven NBA games this year, averaging less than three minutes per game.

As he went back and forth with the evolving G League, James gradually worked his way back into form after missing several weeks with a bone bruise in his left heel. The injury, which affected the same leg that required knee surgery in high school, had slowed his progress. Entering Thursday’s game, James was averaging 8.7 points on just 29.4% shooting in three G League appearances.

On Thursday, his scoring rate more than tripled his previous G League career-high of 16 points, which he scored last week against the San Diego Clippers.

The game also highlighted a shift in the Lakers’ approach to James’ development. Initially, the organization limited him to G League home games, a decision that drew criticism for overprotection. That policy was reversed this week, allowing James to gain valuable experience along the way.

“That was the decision at the time,” a league source told Athletic. “More reps is good for James.”

James’ performance comes at a time when the Lakers are dealing with their own injuries. His father, LeBron James, missed his second straight game on Friday because of foot soreness.