{"id":181480,"date":"2026-03-13T16:42:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T20:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=181480"},"modified":"2026-03-13T16:42:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T20:42:12","slug":"young-lakers-thriving-amid-g-league-teams-winning-streak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/03\/13\/young-lakers-thriving-amid-g-league-teams-winning-streak\/","title":{"rendered":"Young Lakers Thriving Amid G League Team’s Winning Streak"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers aren\u2019t the only ones riding a hot streak as of late. The G League’s South Bay Lakers are also on a roll, tying a franchise record with ten straight wins dating back to Feb. 11.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several members of LA\u2019s young core have been key to South Bay\u2019s efforts. They’re gaining valuable reps in the G League while setting their own NBA futures up for success.<\/span><\/p>\n

Young Lakers Thriving Amid G League Team’s Winning Streak<\/h2>\n

JJ Redick on South Bay Lakers: \u201cWe\u2019re All One Team\u201d<\/h3>\n

Prior to the Lakers\u2019 win over the Chicago Bulls Thursday, head coach JJ Redick <\/span>acknowledged the G League team\u2019s success<\/span><\/a> and praised South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie for his work:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Zach\u2019s done a fantastic job of coaching the players. And the G League is in place for development. It was literally called the Development League. \u2026 So it\u2019s been just an incredible opportunity for our guys to develop. I thought Bronny [James] had just a fantastic year. Adou [Thiero] has done some really good things down there. It\u2019s given our two-way guys a chance to get runs when they\u2019re not with us. And you look at the roster we have when we have some of our rostered guys down there with all three of our two-ways, it\u2019s a really good team, and Zach has really coached, not only the team well, but he\u2019s coached our guys well, and they\u2019ve really bought in.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bronny James<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Adou Thiero<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Dalton Knecht<\/span><\/a> have shuttled between LA and South Bay at various points this season. The same goes for the team\u2019s two-way players in <\/span>Nick Smith Jr.<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Drew Timme<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Chris Ma\u00f1on<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting <\/span>Knecht<\/span><\/a> has made limited appearances for South Bay, tallying 18 points (5-13 FG, 2-5 3PT) on Wednesday against the Iowa Wolves. <\/span>Kobe Bufkin<\/span><\/a>, the Lakers\u2019 newest call-up, has <\/span>not played in the G League<\/span><\/a> since LA <\/span>signed him to a guaranteed deal<\/span><\/a> in early February. He finished with 29 points in 37 minutes on Feb. 6 against the Capital City Go-Go.<\/span><\/p>\n

Otherwise, the rest of the developing Lakers are making strides in the G League this season, with the potential to help at the next level now or in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bronny James<\/h3>\n

When he isn\u2019t receiving cheers from the Lakers faithful in NBA games, Bronny James is putting together an efficient year two in the G League. In 11 regular-season contests for South Bay, he is <\/span>averaging<\/span><\/a> 15.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals on .545\/.426\/.900 splits. Although his averages are down from his rookie year (when he also played 11 regular-season games), his consistent shooting is an encouraging sign and something to watch as the season goes forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to his aggressive scoring, James Jr.\u2019s playmaking and defense are other key areas toward his success. He may not have every opportunity to showcase his skills on the main stage, but how his confidence translates between the G League and NBA will be vital as he develops into a rotation-caliber player.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Bronny James is currently on pace to join the 50\/40\/90 club in the G-League this season:<\/p>\n

64% FG
43% 3PT
90% FT<\/p>\n

The South Bay Lakers have also gone 11-0 in games he's played. \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/JH56IpMR1M<\/a><\/p>\n

— Rain The Plug (@Raintheplug1) March 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n