The Miami Heat came into Crypto.com Arena looking to build on their 3-2 start, but the Los Angeles Lakers had other plans- even while shorthanded. With Deandre Ayton and four other rotation players sidelined, head coach JJ Redick turned to the young guns, giving Bronny James an extended run.

The sophomore didn’t disappoint. His energy and poise sparked several highlight sequences- including one that made LeBron James leap out of his seat in celebration. Easy there with the sciatica, King.

Behind that youthful boost, the Lakers pulled away late, securing a 130-120 win over the Heat and improving to 5-2 on the young season. A big night for the Lakers- and an even bigger confidence boost for the James household.

How many points did Bronny James score?

Los Angeles Lakers

Miami Heat

Lakers vs Heat: game summary and key moments

The Lakers maintained their lead for most of the game and managed their rotation effectively. Bronny James spent about ten minutes on the floor, during which he scored 2 points and dished out 2 assists. But he created a highlight-worthy moment when his insane alley-oop had LeBron James jump off his seat.

LeBron looked ready to run onto the court and hug his son, but stopped at the sidelines to clap. After the game, JJ Redick hyped Bronny’s on-ball defense and called his pass to Marcus Smart the best play of the night.

Luka Doncic’s 40+ point streak has ended with tonight’s 29 points. Although Austin Reaves contributed 26 points and 11 assists, he and Doncic seemed to struggle today. It was Jake Laravia on his improvement spree that surprised with 25 points off the bench.

It was Jaime Jaquez Jr. who had an outstanding 31-point outing tonight. Even if it didn’t lead the team over the hump, he kept the team afloat despite the absence of Tyler Herro and Norman Powell.