The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Wednesday that they have assigned rookie guard Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, to the G-League, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The decision reflects the team’s strategy to provide Bronny with more opportunities for development and to help him gain valuable playing experience.
Bronny, 20, will be joining the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G-League affiliate, starting on Saturday. Before making the transition, he will remain on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for their upcoming game on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. According to Charania, Bronny is expected to play primarily in home games for South Bay, and there will be flexibility for him to move back and forth between the NBA and the G-League depending on the team’s needs.
Throughout the early part of the season, Bronny has been one of coach JJ Redick’s last options off the bench, having appeared in four games for the Lakers so far.
In those limited appearances, Bronny has averaged just 3.3 minutes per game, recording 1.0 point, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. These minimal stats highlight the challenge for a young player trying to find his footing in a highly competitive league with limited minutes.
Bronny’s most recent action came during the Lakers’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, where he played just over four minutes in garbage time.
During that stint, Bronny went 0-for-2 from the field, managed to score two points from the free-throw line, and picked up one personal foul. Despite the limited opportunities, it was a valuable experience for the young guard, who continues to learn and adjust to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
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Bronny James was selected by the Lakers in the second round of this year’s draft with the 56th overall pick, marking a significant milestone for the James family.
The father-son duo made history when they took the court together during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a memorable moment for the Lakers and for basketball fans everywhere, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
The decision to assign Bronny to the G-League is aimed at accelerating his development as a professional player. Given the limited playing time available for him on a Lakers roster filled with experienced talent, the G-League will provide Bronny with the chance to log more minutes in a competitive setting.
In South Bay, he will be able to work on his skills, adapt to the physical demands of the professional game, and continue to learn under a less pressurized environment than the NBA. Regular minutes in the G-League should help build his confidence and allow him to further hone his offensive and defensive skills, preparing him for the next level.
The Lakers organization remains optimistic about Bronny’s future and his potential to contribute meaningfully to the team. Coach JJ Redick has praised Bronny’s work ethic and positive attitude, noting that while his opportunities in the NBA have been limited so far, his dedication to improving and his willingness to learn have been commendable.
The coaching staff believes that by spending time in the G-League, Bronny will have the chance to continue his growth and work toward becoming a more consistent presence for the Lakers in the future.
Bronny’s journey in the NBA has just begun, and the move to the G-League is a strategic step in his progression. While fans may have been eager to see more of him in the NBA early on, the developmental opportunities in South Bay should serve him well as he looks to carve out his own legacy in professional basketball.
With the guidance of his father, LeBron, and the support of the Lakers’ coaching staff, Bronny James has the foundation to succeed, and his assignment to the G-League could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
