On Friday night, LeBron James will face the Los Angeles Lakers without his son, Bronny James, on the court as the team has sent the rookie guard to the G League South Bay Lakers. This decision follows Bronny’s limited participation in the first part of the season, where he played in just three games, accumulating a total of four points over 13 minutes.
Bronny made history earlier this season as he and LeBron became the first father-son duo to compete together in an NBA game during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Drafted in the second round in June, Bronny is expected to gain more playing time in the G League, which is often a crucial setting for younger players to hone their skills.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick clarified that this assignment is part of a pre-planned strategy to allow Bronny to alternate between the NBA and the G League throughout the season. This approach gives him the opportunity to grow while maintaining a connection to the main team.
Bronny’s journey has not been without challenges. He encountered a significant health scare last summer when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice, leading to a surgical procedure for a congenital heart defect. After several months of recovery, he has made a comeback, although his college career with the USC Trojans was cut short, starting only six games with many minutes coming from the bench.
Bronny is poised to potentially make his debut with the South Bay Lakers on Saturday against the Salt Lake City Stars. Meanwhile, LeBron’s Lakers continue their season against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.
This news opens the door for Bronny to gain valuable experience and development in the G League, which could be beneficial as he aims for a successful career in the NBA alongside or even under the legacy of his father. The ongoing journey of both LeBron and Bronny offers a remarkable narrative as they navigate their roles in professional basketball together.