Bronny James had the chance to shine at All-Star Weekend, but he’s not taking it. Despite his growing popularity, the Lakers rookie won’t be playing in the 2025 NBA Rising Stars game. The league extended an invitation, but he decided to pass. Chris Haynes reported on Jan. 24 that Bronny had the opportunity to suit up for the event, but he chose not to participate. And that wasn’t the only offer on the table.

The NBA also pitched a history-making moment—LeBron and Bronny teaming up for the Skills Challenge as the first father-son duo to compete. Sounds like something straight out of a movie, right? But they turned that down, too. Well because Bronny had other plans.

The Rising Stars game is on 14th and Bronny wasn’t going to spend the day hooping. He’s spending it with his girlfriend Parker Whitefield instead. The Lakers rookie posted a story on his Instagram of a bedroom doused in Valentine’s day theme.

Rose petals, heart shaped ballons, petals spelled out to say “I *heart* U”. A romantic gesture by the 20-year old. He had also tagged his girlfriend in the story. He also re-shared a story by Parker which was picture of the young couple overlaid with the text “my valentine🫶💞@bronny”.

Bronny and Parker aren’t the type to put their relationship on full display. They actually go way back, having met at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles. Fast forward to summer 2024, and they made things official in the most high-profile way—showing up together at the Paris Olympics, hand in hand, cheering on Team USA.

Since then, Parker has been spotted at several events with Bronny, quietly supporting him. But now it looks like Bronny is letting the world know. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t lighting it up in the G League, which has led to praise for the rookie from a former NBA player.

Nick Young claims Bronny James could’ve been a first pick

It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Bronny with the Lakers, but there’s plenty to talk about. Early in the season, Bronny had a tough time finding his rhythm with the Lakers. Things changed when he was assigned to the G-League’s South Bay Lakers, where he’s been thriving. As of February 8, he’s putting up impressive numbers: 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, while hitting more than three three-pointers each night.

Back in the NBA, his standout moment came in a brief seven-minute stint against the Utah Jazz, where he scored nine points on 3-of-4 shooting. Small sample size, but promising.

Nick Young, the former NBA champ, didn’t hold back when discussing Bronny’s G-League performances. On Gil’s Arena, he said, “I feel like Bronny woulda been playing like this, he woulda been the number one pick.” High praise for a guy who was drafted 55th overall in 2024. Bronny’s journey to the NBA wasn’t straightforward—he spent just one season at USC, which was disrupted by a cardiac arrest that kept him off the court for months.

Despite the challenges, he chose to enter the draft instead of returning to college. Now, at 20, he’s starting to show flashes of his potential. It’s early, but Wednesday’s game might be a sign of better things to come. What’s your take—can Bronny turn these glimpses into something bigger?