Bronny James plays for South Bay Lakers in his G League debut. © (@NBAonTNT)
LOS ANGELES, CA – November 10, 2024—Bronny James, fresh off his G League debut with the South Bay Lakers, is expected to play only home games for the G League affiliate moving forward. This decision, shared during ESPN’s The Hoop Collective Podcast with Brian Windhorst and Dave McMenamin, reflects the Lakers’ measured approach to balancing James’ development within the NBA and G League structures.
Windhorst noted, “I’m gonna apply the brakes on my ‘everything’s fine on the Bronny front’ with this thing happening. From my understanding, he will only play in the South Bay Lakers’ home games.” This arrangement suggests a cautious approach, particularly given Bronny’s unique position as both a rookie and the son of NBA superstar LeBron James.
During a conversation with South Bay Lakers president Joey Buss, McMenamin confirmed some flexibility in Bronny’s game-time assignments. Buss indicated that roster availability and potential injuries would influence whether James suits up in select games beyond the planned home appearances.
“So on the record, the Lakers have not said that you know, this notion that he definitively will be prioritizing Laker road games over wherever the South Bay Lakers are playing,” McMenamin explained. This plan aims to manage Bronny’s workload effectively, mainly as he alternates between the NBA and G League rosters.
When the Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James to the G League on November 7, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the plan was for him to play primarily in South Bay home games while alternating with appearances for the Lakers.
To give the 20-year-old ample exposure, Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed on October 25 that Bronny would be moving between the NBA and G League rosters following the team’s first road trip. This allowed the Lakers to accomplish two key milestones early on: Bronny made his NBA debut alongside his father, LeBron James, in the season opener on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the first time an NBA father-son duo played together.
During an October 30 road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bronny gained additional playing time in his father’s hometown. Across these early appearances, Bronny’s potential and promise were evident, leading to his G League debut on Saturday, where he scored six points, recorded three rebounds, contributed four assists, and achieved two steals.
As Bronny continues his journey with the Los Angeles Lakers and the South Bay Lakers, this approach seeks to strike a balance between development and opportunity, ensuring that James maximizes his experience on both levels as he navigates his rookie season.
