The Los Angeles Lakers have opted to assign Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, to their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, where he will receive extended playing time and development opportunities. This move, which was anticipated after the Lakers’ preseason, aims to allow Bronny to gain experience and refine his skills in a competitive, yet lower-pressure environment. It’s a strategic choice commonly made for second-round picks like Bronny, drafted 55th overall in 2024, as these players often benefit from more game action in the G-League rather than limited minutes in the NBA.
While Bronny made history alongside his father by becoming the first father-son duo to play on an NBA team, his time on the Lakers’ main roster has been limited so far, with sporadic appearances in preseason games. In these games, he averaged just over 16 minutes per game, scoring 4.2 points. Although these stats don’t stand out, the Lakers see Bronny’s potential, but they believe that focused practice sessions and extensive playing time in the G-League will accelerate his development, particularly in areas such as shooting, ball-handling, and decision-making.
The plan is for Bronny to split his time between the South Bay Lakers and the main Lakers roster, depending on both teams’ schedules and his progress. The South Bay Lakers’ season opener is scheduled for November 9, a few days after the Lakers return from their road trip. By giving him regular playing time in the G-League, the Lakers aim to gradually improve his readiness for NBA-level competition, a path taken by many rookies and second-round picks who need more development before securing a regular spot on an NBA roster.
LeBron James has expressed support for this approach, noting that he believes the mix of G-League games and NBA practices will best serve his son’s career growth. He highlighted the importance of allowing Bronny to improve at his own pace, emphasizing that his son has a strong work ethic and is committed to building his skills steadily. LeBron also commented on how this experience is as much about personal growth as it is about basketball, adding that Bronny will learn resilience and adaptability as he works to earn his place in the NBA.
Unlike most late draft picks, Bronny’s contract offers stability as it is a regular NBA contract rather than a two-way deal, meaning he earns an NBA salary and can participate in both G-League and NBA games without limitations. The Lakers’ decision aligns with their long-term vision for Bronny, who they see as a potential contributor in future seasons.
This structured developmental plan for Bronny marks a calculated investment in his future, underscoring the Lakers’ commitment to shaping him into an NBA-ready player. While Bronny will be out of the NBA spotlight, for now, he remains a significant part of the Lakers’ broader plans, and fans can expect to see him continue growing on his path to reaching his full p
otential.
