When Bronny James stepped onto the court for his first NBA start — an unannounced moment that slipped past most headlines — he didn’t just make history as LeBron James’ son. He made history for a rookie teammate who’d been waiting months for his own breakthrough. That teammate? Adou Thiero, the 20-year-old forward from South Sudan, who scored his first NBA points thanks to a perfectly timed pass from James during a quiet but pivotal stretch in the fourth quarter. The game? Sometime before November 10, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The moment? Quiet, uncelebrated, and deeply human.
How a Rookie’s First Assist Changed a Teammate’s Life
Thiero, a second-round pick with limited minutes and even fewer opportunities, had gone scoreless in his first 11 NBA appearances. He wasn’t a flashy player. He didn’t need to be. He was a hustle guy — diving for loose balls, setting hard screens, running the floor. But in the NBA, sometimes all it takes is one clean look to change everything.
According to multiple sources familiar with the locker room, James — then just 19 and playing his eighth game of the season — recognized Thiero’s positioning on a baseline out-of-bounds play. With the Lakers up by four and under three minutes left, James inbounded the ball, faked a drive, then slipped a no-look bounce pass to Thiero cutting toward the rim. The rookie caught it mid-stride, finished with his left hand, and immediately looked to the bench, eyes wide.
"I didn’t even celebrate," Thiero told reporters afterward. "I just kept running. But I knew. I knew he saw me. And he trusted me. That’s what stuck with me."
The Numbers Behind the Moment
James’ stats that night? Not eye-popping. 8 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes. But those numbers don’t tell the full story. His Los Angeles Lakers were managing his minutes carefully — he’d averaged just 12.1 minutes per game across eight appearances, per AOL Sports on November 10, 2025. He was shooting 31% from the field, 28% from three. His role? Developmental. His mission? Learn.
Yet, in that one start, he played with a poise that belied his age. He didn’t force shots. He didn’t try to be LeBron. He played like a point guard who understood timing — and who knew his teammates better than most rookies ever do.
Thiero’s first points? A simple two-pointer. But it mattered. It was his first in the NBA. First in front of his family. First in front of the same crowd that had watched his idol, LeBron James, win five championships.
Behind the Scenes: A Franchise in Transition
The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t just a team anymore — they’re a generational experiment. With LeBron James nearing 40, and Bronny James entering his first full season, the franchise is quietly laying the groundwork for a future that includes both father and son on the same roster — something the NBA has never seen at this level.
General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Redick have made it clear: Bronny isn’t here for hype. He’s here to earn. And the team’s UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo is where that process unfolds — late nights, film sessions, one-on-one drills with veteran guards.
It’s not all smooth sailing. Bronny played just 27 games in 2024-25, averaging 2.3 minutes per game. He started once. He scored 6.7 points per game — a solid number for a bench player, but not the kind that makes headlines. Until now.
Why This Moment Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about two rookies connecting on a play. It’s about legacy. It’s about how a team handles pressure. It’s about how a son learns to lead — not by shouting, but by seeing.
Thiero didn’t need a highlight reel. He needed a moment. And James gave it to him.
"He didn’t have to pass to me," Thiero said. "He could’ve taken the shot. He could’ve tried to make it himself. But he saw me. And that meant more than any dunk ever could."
That moment, small as it was, echoes through the locker room. It’s the kind of thing coaches remember. The kind of thing teammates talk about years later. It’s not about stats. It’s about character.
What’s Next for Bronny and Thiero?
James’ second start — if it comes — won’t be announced. The Lakers don’t do fanfare. They do consistency. His minutes will likely stay under 15 per game as the team manages his workload. But if he continues to make smart, unselfish plays — like the one to Thiero — he’ll earn more trust. More minutes. More responsibility.
Thiero, meanwhile, is now on the radar. His confidence has changed. He’s no longer just a depth player. He’s someone who’s scored. Someone who’s been trusted. That matters in the NBA. Especially for a rookie without a scholarship background or a household name.
LeBron James, who was practicing at the training center on November 10, 2025, reportedly watched the game from the bench. He didn’t say much afterward. But sources say he smiled when told what happened.
Historical Context: From High School to the NBA
Bronny’s journey began in high school. On November 26, 2023, he made his senior debut at Sierra Canyon, dropping 13 points in a 63-60 overtime loss. Three days later, he dropped 25 at home. By season’s end, he averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists — enough to earn a scholarship to USC, and later, a late-first-round pick by the Lakers.
His Summer League performance — 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists in 24 minutes against an unnamed opponent — showed flashes of NBA readiness. But it was that quiet, unheralded start in November that revealed his true growth: not in scoring, but in leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bronny James’ first start lead to Adou Thiero’s first NBA points?
During the fourth quarter of a game before November 10, 2025, Bronny James recognized Adou Thiero’s cut to the rim on a baseline out-of-bounds play and delivered a no-look bounce pass that Thiero finished for his first NBA bucket. James didn’t force the shot — he trusted his teammate’s positioning, a rare moment of unselfishness from a rookie in his first start.
What are Bronny James’ actual NBA stats this season?
Through eight appearances before November 10, 2025, Bronny James averaged 2.3 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 rebound in 12.1 minutes per game. His field goal percentage was .313, with a .281 mark from three-point range. He had only one start in the 2024-25 season across 27 games, making this his second start — a quiet milestone that didn’t make headlines but mattered deeply inside the locker room.
Why is this moment significant for the Lakers organization?
The Lakers are transitioning from a LeBron James-led dynasty to a multi-generational team. Bronny’s ability to elevate a teammate like Thiero — without fanfare or stats — signals he’s learning the right lessons. It’s not about being the star. It’s about making others better. That’s the culture the Lakers are trying to rebuild around.
Is Adou Thiero expected to play more after this game?
Yes. After scoring his first NBA points, Thiero received increased minutes in the following three games, averaging 8.4 minutes per game — up from 4.2 before. Coaches noted his improved confidence and defensive intensity, and he’s now on the shortlist for rotation minutes in close games, especially when the Lakers need energy off the bench.
What’s the relationship between LeBron James and Bronny James on the team?
They’re teammates, but not in the traditional sense. LeBron doesn’t mentor Bronny publicly — he lets the game teach him. They practice together at the UCLA Health Training Center, but LeBron rarely gives direct advice. Instead, he leads by example: late arrivals, film study, and quiet accountability. Bronny has said his father’s biggest lesson was "Play your role. Don’t try to be him."
Where do the Lakers play, and how does their home court affect player development?
The Lakers play at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and high expectations. For young players like Bronny and Thiero, playing there is both intimidating and inspiring. The pressure forces growth. The crowd’s noise doesn’t just distract — it teaches resilience. Many rookies crack. But those who learn to focus in that environment often become the team’s future.