Confirmed: Lakers Assign Bronny to G-League After Four-Game Struggle

The much-anticipated day has arrived. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially assigned Bronny James to their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. James is expected to make his G-League debut this Sunday against the Salt Lake City Stars. Reports indicate that Bronny will participate only in South Bay’s home games and will shuttle between the NBA and G-League, with the Lakers carefully managing his time in both leagues.

A Rough Start in the NBA

Bronny’s initial stint with the Lakers has been underwhelming. Selected as the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, the 20-year-old guard signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract, a decision met with widespread skepticism. His limited appearances during regular-season games haven’t helped to silence the critics.

In four games, Bronny logged just 3.3 minutes per outing, averaging:

• 1 point
• 0.3 rebounds
• 0.5 assists
• 0.3 steals

His shooting splits are a glaring concern:

• Field goal percentage: 16.7%
• Three-point percentage: 0%
• Free throw percentage: 100%

Bronny’s first regular-season points came in a 110-134 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Late in the game, he dribbled into a long-range corner jumper, eliciting a thunderous reaction from the Cleveland crowd—a special moment for a city that shares a deep connection with his father, LeBron James. To commemorate the milestone, Bronny kept the game ball and his No. 9 jersey.

The play drew immediate comparisons to LeBron’s career debut in 2003 when the elder James also opened his NBA scoring account with a corner jumper. It’s a reminder of the deep bond between the two and the enormous expectations Bronny carries on his shoulders.

In a more recent game, a 114-131 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Bronny added two points to his career total by drawing a foul in transition and sinking both free throws. These small milestones are a start, but the struggles in his early appearances highlight the need for further development.

The Decision to Send Bronny to the G-League

Bronny’s assignment to the G-League has sparked significant discussion. While some see it as a demotion, others argue it’s a logical step to aid his growth. The G-League offers Bronny the opportunity to gain valuable playing time in a less pressurized environment. With the South Bay Lakers, he’ll have the chance to fully showcase his skill set, take on a larger role, and gain the confidence necessary to compete at the NBA level.

This move could also allow the Lakers to maximize his potential without the added pressure of performing in the NBA spotlight. At just 20 years old, Bronny has time to refine his game, and this period in the G-League could be the catalyst for his evolution into a more complete player.

The Broader Impact on the G-League

Bronny’s presence in the G-League is also expected to bring massive attention to the league. Historically seen as a developmental pipeline for the NBA, the G-League has often struggled with low attendance and limited viewership. However, Bronny’s assignment could change that.

With his immense popularity, Bronny is poised to become a box-office attraction. Fans worldwide, particularly in markets like China where he already has a devoted following, are likely to tune in to watch his G-League journey.

Adding to the intrigue, Bronny will share the G-League spotlight with two other young stars: Choi Yong-hee and Yuki Kawamura. The presence of these three rising talents is expected to elevate the league’s profile, drawing more eyes to a platform often overshadowed by its NBA counterpart.

The Weight of Expectations

Bronny’s transition to the professional ranks comes with unique challenges. As the son of LeBron James, he carries not just the hopes of Lakers fans but also the expectations of an entire basketball community eager to witness a continuation of the James legacy.

While his early struggles are undeniable, it’s important to remember that Bronny’s career is just beginning. The G-League stint offers him a chance to adjust to the professional game, fine-tune his skills, and grow at his own pace.

The Lakers’ management appears committed to a patient approach, balancing Bronny’s time in both leagues to ensure his development remains on track. Whether he can meet the lofty expectations set for him remains to be seen, but the decision to send him to the G-League represents a crucial step in his journey.

As Bronny prepares to make his South Bay Lakers debut, all eyes will once again be on him. The pressure is immense, but so is the opportunity to prove he belongs at the highest level.