The Los Angeles Lakers quickly arranged for LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, to play together this season. The Lakers have now announced that Bronny will be assigned to their G League affiliate, South Bay, where he is expected to make his debut in a game against Salt Lake City. Although Bronny won’t be staying in the G League for the entire season, he will only be playing in home games and will shuttle between the G League and the NBA as the team manages his time on both rosters. This plan has been in place since the beginning of the season, with LeBron James and Lakers coach JJ Redick confirming that Bronny’s development is a priority.
LeBron and Bronny James made history in the Lakers’ season opener by becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together. Despite this, LeBron recognizes the need for Bronny to continue developing as a basketball player. LeBron expressed that he is looking forward to seeing his son improve, whether it be with the Lakers or in the G League. As a second-round pick, it is expected that Bronny will spend time in the G League for developmental purposes. The Lakers see the benefit of having Bronny with the team, alongside his father and the current Lakers roster, when South Bay is on the road.
The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has been in place since his drafting, with both General Manager Rob Pelinka and Coach JJ Redick involved in the decision. The Lakers have outlined a strategy for Bronny’s development that involves him shuttling between the two teams and continuing to work on his skills. ESPN reported that Bronny is expected to be on the Lakers’ roster until November 6 and will then transition into the shuttle plan. The goal is for Bronny to grow and improve as a player through this process, holding himself and his teammates accountable for their progress.
Bronny James is expected to make his G League debut for South Bay against Salt Lake City. The Lakers have structured a plan for Bronny to split his time between the G League and NBA rosters, ensuring that he continues to develop as a player. LeBron James has emphasized the importance of hard work and improvement for his son, expressing a desire for Bronny to continue to get better. The Lakers’ decision to keep Bronny alongside his father and the team’s current roster during road trips highlights their commitment to his development and growth as a player. This setup allows Bronny to benefit from exposure to the NBA environment while also gaining valuable experience in the G League.