Bronny James is expected to begin splitting time between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, although Coach JJ Reddick indicated that these plans may evolve as the season progresses.
According to ESPN, James will alternate between the two teams following the Lakers’ five-game road trip that concludes on November 6. The South Bay Lakers kick off their G League season on November 9 against the Salt Lake City Stars, providing an exciting opportunity for Bronny to gain valuable experience.
“Our plans are always fluid based on real time,” Reddick stated before the Lakers’ matchup with the Phoenix Suns. “I believe we have two guys dressing today who, as of yesterday, were not dressing out.”
“The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been in place since day one. (General manager) Rob (Pelinka) and I have discussed this, and LeBron has also been involved in the conversation.”
Bronny James, who was selected as the 55th overall pick in the June draft after a season at Southern California, is following a common path for second-round picks, many of whom spend time in the G League while on two-way contracts.
In six preseason games, Bronny averaged 4.2 points and logged 16.2 minutes of playing time. He dressed for the Lakers’ recent 123-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns but did not see action. Previously, he played three minutes in the Lakers’ 110-103 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers are set to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday before embarking on their road trip, which includes a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. LeBron James, who spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers, led them to an NBA championship in 2016. Interestingly, both LeBron and Bronny share roots in Akron, Ohio, where Bronny was born in 2004.
During media day last month, LeBron expressed his expectation that his son would split time between the NBA and the G League, emphasizing the importance of growth in Bronny’s basketball journey.
“Seeing him continue to grow as a basketball player, whether it’s with us or with the G League team, is what matters,” he said. “We want to hold him accountable, and he will hold us accountable. If we all do that, we’ll improve together because we are all one team. The South Bay reflects us, and we reflect the South Bay. We’ll keep building, stacking days, and I know he will because that’s who he is.”
in this topic
