Father-son NBA time put on hold as Lakers assign Bronny James to developmental G League team

The much-anticipated father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James will have to wait a little longer. On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James, the rookie guard and son of LeBron James, to the team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. This move comes after Bronny played a limited role with the Lakers in the first few weeks of the season, appearing in only three of the team’s first eight games.

In his brief time with the Lakers, Bronny James, 20, totaled just four points across 13 minutes of play. His role on the court has been minimal, with his appearances primarily limited to short stretches. Despite the limited playing time, the highlight of his early NBA career came in the season opener in October, when he and his father made history as the first-ever father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game.

The assignment to the G League is a move that had been expected by many, as it offers Bronny an opportunity for more playing time and development, which is often crucial for players coming into the league as second-round picks. By spending time with the South Bay Lakers, Bronny can continue refining his skills in a more consistent and competitive environment. G League teams are designed to give young players more opportunities to develop, and the move should provide Bronny with valuable experience that can help him grow as a player.

Despite being reassigned to the G League, this does not signal the end of Bronny’s NBA journey for the season. Lakers head coach J.J. Redick confirmed in October that the team always planned to split Bronny’s time between the NBA and the G League. “The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been the plan since day one,” Redick explained. “Rob Pelinka (the Lakers’ general manager) and I have talked about that. LeBron’s talked about that.”

Bronny James’ path to the NBA has not been without challenges. Before entering the league, the 20-year-old guard experienced a serious health scare. In July 2023, during a practice with the USC Trojans, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest. The incident forced him to undergo surgery for a congenital heart defect, sidelining him for several months. This health setback caused his college basketball career to be shortened, as he was only able to play in a handful of games for USC. Despite this, Bronny showed promise during his brief college stint, where he averaged a solid performance despite starting in only six games.

Now, as he transitions into his NBA career, Bronny’s focus is on continuing his development. By spending time with the South Bay Lakers, he will have the chance to hone his skills in a more structured environment, where he can build confidence and get more experience on the court. The G League offers young players an essential step toward making the jump to a regular role in the NBA, and for Bronny, it’s a crucial phase of his growth as a professional basketball player.

The timing of the move is noteworthy, as it comes just before the Lakers’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. While LeBron’s Lakers will continue their season with that matchup, Bronny could make his debut with the South Bay Lakers as soon as Saturday, when they face the Salt Lake City Stars in El Segundo, California.

The father-son story that so many fans have been excited about is far from over. With Bronny continuing his development in the G League, there is still a strong possibility that he will rejoin the Lakers later this season, depending on his progress and the team’s needs. Both LeBron and Bronny have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to play together in the NBA, and while it won’t happen on a regular basis this season, it’s clear that the possibility remains a significant part of the Lakers’ long-term vision for Bronny’s development.

As the season unfolds, Lakers fans will continue to watch with interest as Bronny James works his way through the ranks. The G League stint is an important step in that process, but it’s clear that his story is just beginning, and his future in the NBA alongside his father remains a thrilling prospect for basketball fans everywhere.