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LeBron James recently achieved a personal milestone by playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) alongside his son, Bronny James, but the young guard’s playing time has been limited so far. To help Bronny develop and gain more experience, the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to send him to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, for a more focused training period. The move aims to better prepare him for a future return to the NBA.
Bronny James' G League assignment
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Bronny James was officially assigned to the South Bay Lakers on Thursday. However, he will still suit up for the Lakers' upcoming home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. This game will give him one more chance to see action with the Lakers before he transitions to the G League.
The Lakers have had a tough stretch recently, returning home from a five-game road trip in which they secured just one win. With the support of their home crowd, the team hopes to regain their rhythm, and Bronny’s potential involvement in the game against the 76ers could provide an ideal opportunity for him to earn more playing time.
Developmental plan for Bronny
The Lakers’ decision to send Bronny to the G League is part of a strategic plan to enhance his development. While the young guard will initially focus on playing for South Bay, the Lakers intend to alternate his time between the G League and the NBA based on team needs and coaching decisions. Charania further reported that the Lakers are prioritizing Bronny's participation in South Bay’s home games to help him gain more experience and increase his playing time.
South Bay Lakers' upcoming season
The G League season begins on November 8, with several games across the league. The South Bay Lakers will start their campaign on Saturday, facing the Salt Lake City Stars, the Utah Jazz’s affiliate, at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. Despite limited practice time with his new South Bay teammates, Bronny is expected to make his G League debut in this game.
This assignment is critical for Bronny, as it will give him the court time he has been lacking with the Lakers due to the team’s depth and competitive roster. Playing in the G League will offer him a chance to refine his skills, gain confidence, and develop into a more impactful player.
Bronny James' NBA performance so far
Bronny James has appeared in three of the Lakers' first eight games this season, but his contributions have been modest. He made his NBA debut in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, logging just three minutes and recording one rebound. In his second appearance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he scored his first two NBA points, added two assists, and grabbed one rebound in five minutes of play. Most recently, he contributed two points in the Lakers' win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
His upcoming game against the 76ers could be an important opportunity to improve his stats before transitioning to the South Bay Lakers and focusing on his G League development.
