Name a place where every day a new drama unfolds; where someone takes a dig at another, only to get dirty and bigger; where the off-court antics match the on-court thrill. Yes, you will find none, except the NBA. The reason why it is not for the light-hearted. And when your name is Bronny James, tough skin could also help you become mentally immune. He can certainly have that now, considering the controversies going around him. After a summer of precise scrutiny by subject-matter experts and by the unversed ones, Bronny is having a different spotlight on him thanks to LeBron James standing up to Stephen A Smith. So far, James Jr has done remarkably well on the media front, keeping his head down amid the controversies, but at times it’s good to give some of it back. That’s what he did during a recent Lakers game. After all, the father’s gene does take over.

Gilbert Arenas might think Bronny could have had a say in the ROTY conversation, had he played 30+ minutes, but even without that, the Lakers rookie is the talk of the town. This time it was Denver’s turn to have a shot at Bronny to see if there was a crack in the 20-year-old’s armor. But the attempt proved futile.

A clip on social media has gone viral, showing Bronny being heckled by a courtside fan. What followed was unexpected, to say the least, as this was the first time Bronny openly responded to hostile remarks. Looking across at the fan a few rows away, Bronny identified a fake chain around his neck and mouthed, “Yo chain fake.”

The vision would’ve certainly made LeBron proud as Bronny proved his lineage to the James family. Daddy James wasn’t around or things could’ve ended up in an ejection for the fan; lucky guy as LeBron missed the Nuggets game. But the LA Lakers did miss the king in the loss as the number 23 continues to be out because of a groin injury, for at least another week. He instead visited Bryce’s State Championship Finals in Sacramento. But the incident proved that Bronny can certainly watch out for himself, even in LeBron’s absence, as he also seems to be blending in well with the NBA side.

Bronny James opens up about chemistry with fellow rookie

Friday night didn’t prove to be the Lakers’ night. The squad didn’t look strong enough against the Nuggets. And frankly, how could they? They weren’t in a condition to handle the heat of back-to-backs. But they didn’t give in and fought till the end. The result might have gone in the home team’s favor, but Bronny James had a lot to be proud of.

After the 131-126 loss, the topic that came up in the locker room interview was Bronny sharing the stage with Dalton Knecht, who, by the way, had a remarkable 32-point contribution to the Lakers’ scoreboard. His mention brought back amazing Summer League memories for Bronny.

“I’m just so proud of him, just seeing his growth as a basketball player and as a person,” he said. And it’s not just a bond that’s limited to the hardwood. Bronny made sure to emphasize that. “That’s my guy,” he added. “We have a good relationship off and on the court, so looking forward to seeing him grow.”

Bronny James might not have put up insane numbers like his fellow rookies, but his five points don’t tell the entire story of the defensive work he put in on the hardwood. After the game, he certainly makes one wonder if he could hold back the Nuggets like that in 16 minutes, then there is more up his sleeve that’s yet to be discovered.