Bronny James is set to alternate between the Los Angeles Lakers and the team’s G League affiliate, as announced by coach JJ Reddick, who added that these plans may be subject to change. According to ESPN, James will transition between the two teams after the Lakers conclude a five-game road trip on November 6. The South Bay Lakers kick off their G League season on November 9 against the Salt Lake City Stars.
Reddick emphasized the dynamic nature of their plans, stating, “Our plans are always fluid based on real time,” just before the Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns. He noted that roster decisions can shift rapidly, mentioning players who were not expected to suit up just 24 hours prior.
The plan for Bronny James to move back and forth between the Lakers and South Bay has been in place since the beginning, as discussed between Reddick and general manager Rob Pelinka. LeBron James, Bronny’s father, has also participated in these conversations.
Bronny James was selected as the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft following one season at the University of Southern California. Many second-round draft picks typically spend time in the G League and are signed to two-way contracts during their rookie seasons.
In his debut, Bronny played three minutes in the Lakers’ 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 4.2 points and logged 16.2 minutes per game across six preseason contests.
The Lakers will host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday before embarking on their road trip, which includes a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. LeBron James has a deep connection to Cleveland, having played there for 11 seasons and leading the team to an NBA championship in 2016, while Bronny was born in Akron, Ohio, in 2004.
Last month during the Lakers’ media day, LeBron expressed anticipation for his son’s development, stating his expectation that Bronny would split time between the NBA and the G League. He emphasized the importance of growth for Bronny as a player and accountability within the team structure. LeBron said, “We want to hold him accountable. He’s going to hold us accountable, and if we all do that, we’ll all get better.”