LeBron James will be playing his first game of the season without his son by his side as the Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James to the team’s G League South Bay Lakers squad. This move was expected, given Bronny's limited playing time in the NBA so far, with only four points in 13 minutes across three games.
Bronny, a rookie guard drafted in the second round in June, is set to gain more experience and playing time in the G League, where many young players hone their skills. The decision to move him to the G League does not mean he won't return to play alongside his father in the NBA this season.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick had previously mentioned that the plan was always for Bronny to split his time between the NBA and the G League. This strategy was discussed with Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka and LeBron James himself.
Bronny's journey to the NBA has faced challenges, notably a cardiac arrest during a USC Trojans team practice in July 2023. After undergoing surgery for a congenital heart defect, he had to take time off before returning to the court. His college basketball season was shortened due to this health scare.
Bronny could make his debut with the South Bay Lakers against the Salt Lake City Stars in El Segundo, California. Meanwhile, LeBron's Lakers will face the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Friday night.
