On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. The move was expected for months, as everyone knew that Bronny would spend more time in the G League than in the NBA.
But there was also an interesting report coming from Shams Charania, which suggest there is more in store for the eldest son of LeBron James.
Lakers Trying to Hide Bronny James
ESPN insider Shams Charania was among the first to break the news that Bronny will be assigned to the G League. He also mentioned an interesting fact with that. At least for the start of the season, Bronny will play only in home games for the South Bay Lakers. He will shuttle between both leagues as the team manages time on respective rosters.
For now, sources said, the G League plan is for Bronny James to play in only South Bay home games – as he shuttles between both leagues and team manages his time on respective rosters.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 7, 2024
While Lakers fans will be able to go and see Bronny live, fans of other teams might not get that chance. For the foreseeable future, they will have to travel to Los Angeles to see him.
This might be good for Bronny, as he will get used to the speed of the NBA and develop his game. When the Lakers drafted him, they knew he was a developmental project. He already has tons of pressure for a rookie drafted 55th overall. You can say he doesn’t need the pressure of playing on the road and in hostile arenas just yet.
When Can You See Bronny?
Bronny will have his G League debut on Saturday, November 9th, against the Salt Lake City Stars. He will be on the Lakers roster for Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. And from then on, he will join the South Bay Lakers team.
In November, the South Bay Lakers have five games at home. They begin their season on November 9th at home, and then go on the road. Their next home game is on Sunday, November 17th. During that period, the Los Angeles Lakers host the Grizzlies on November 13th. Bronny might be on the roster for that game, but it will be hard to get playing time.
The South Bay Lakers then play at home on Sunday, November 24th, Tuesday, November 26th, and Wednesday, November 27th.
What Can We Expect from Bronny?
There are not many players drafted 55th overall that get as much media exposure as Bronny. Maybe nobody before him drafted this low gets even a tiny bit of exposure. Yet, being the son of one of the greatest players in league history makes a difference.
His name recognition might bring eyes to South Bay games, but he will also be forced to prove himself against players who are just as motivated to make it into the NBA. They might be going at Bronny to prove a point. For now, his path seems clear, splitting time between the Los Angeles Lakers and their G League affiliate.
Every NBA player will tell you, the only way to develop your game is to play. And Bronny will not see much playing time on the Lakers roster. There will be plenty of guards on the South Bay Lakers as well, and competing against them will only help Bronny.
