Lakers Send Bronny James to G League for More Playing Time

Bronny James is set to average at least 25 minutes per game after the Los Angeles Lakers assigned him to their G League affiliate. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed the move was the intended plan from the start, citing the need for increased on-court time to help the 6-foot-2 point guard develop his skills.

The decision follows a limited role for James with the NBA team. In his first nine games with Los Angeles, he has averaged just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points. The Lakers have gone 7-2 during this stretch, placing them among the top teams in the Western Conference alongside the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. Redick noted that James had a strong summer and September but did not play well in the four preseason games.

James has historically been more productive in the G League. Over 25 games across two seasons with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Rookie Cameron Carr was also assigned to the G League during this period. The Coachella Valley Lakers are scheduled to open their season Friday against the Salt Lake City Stars.

This development occurs as LeBron James continues his 24th NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers lead the Eastern Conference with an 8-1 record, bolstered by the addition of Jaylen Brown and a core that includes Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid. While LeBron previously shared the court with his son during the playoffs, the Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals.

LeBron has praised his son's work ethic, stating that Bronny gets better every day and keeps his head down away from the noise. On his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron shared the advice he gave both of his sons: stay locked in and patient. His second-youngest son, Bryce, is in his second year at the University of Arizona. The redshirt freshman is averaging 2.5 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 12 minutes per game over two contests this season.