Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has been assigned to the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, ahead of their season opener this weekend.
The Lakers announced the decision on Thursday, ensuring the 20-year-old guard is set to feature prominently in the G League as he continues to develop his game.
The assignment comes after Bronny made history alongside his father during the Lakers’ season-opening win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
The duo became the first father and son to play together in an NBA game. Bronny has appeared in three games for the Lakers so far, recording four points in 13 minutes of action.
Bronny’s milestone first NBA basket came on October 30 in Cleveland, the city where his father rose to stardom. The young guard’s connection to Cleveland added sentimental weight to the moment, as he scored in the same arena where he once cheered for his father as a child.
Despite his historic NBA debut, the Lakers made it clear that Bronny’s development will largely take place in the G League this season. This move reflects the organization’s commitment to giving the young talent ample time to grow while honing his skills in a competitive but less demanding environment.
Bronny’s journey to professional basketball has been remarkable. He survived a cardiac arrest during the summer of 2023, a setback that raised concerns about his basketball future.
Despite limited playing time during his lone college season at the University of Southern California, Bronny declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was selected by the Lakers late in the second round.
The South Bay Lakers, based at the Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo, will open their season on Saturday night against the Salt Lake City Stars. Bronny’s assignment to the team is expected to draw significant attention, both for his performance and for the continued narrative of his rise under the shadow of his legendary father.
As Bronny embarks on this new chapter, his progress in the G League will be closely monitored. For now, the young guard’s focus will be on contributing to South Bay’s campaign and preparing for a future that could see him carve out his own legacy in the NBA.
