The Los Angeles Lakers are moving quickly as the playoff race tightens in the Western Conference. Fresh off a composed win over the Golden State Warriors, the focus has shifted to roster depth and rotation decisions. It has brought notable news on Sunday involving Bronny James.With 23 games left and Los Angeles holding a 35-24 record, every win will be crucial. As the Lakers prepare to host the Sacramento Kings, they have brought back a familiar young guard to strengthen the bench. The move comes at a critical point in the season, as Beonny was dominating in the Lakers’ G-League affiliate, South Bay Lakers.
Lakers recall Bronny James from G-League
Bronny and LeBron James. Image via: William Liang/ AP
The Lakers recalled James from the G League’s South Bay Lakers on Sunday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. James will rejoin the parent club after being assigned to the G League on Monday. The second-year guard will be available for Sunday’s game against the Kings, though he isn’t guaranteed to see meaningful playing time.NBA legend LeBron James‘s son, Bronny James has now followed a pattern similar to his rookie campaign. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the former USC guard has split time between the NBA roster and South Bay. Through 29 appearances this season, he has averaged 2.2 points, 1.2 assists and 0.5 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game. He is shooting 40 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range.His NBA minutes have come in short stretches, often late in games or when the rotation has been stretched. Over the past five contests, including Saturday’s win over Golden State, he was assigned to the G League to continue his development. His last Lakers appearance came Feb. 12 against the Dallas Mavericks, when he logged two minutes.
Bronny James’ stats in the South Bay Lakers
While his NBA numbers remain modest, his G League production has been impressive. In 11 games with the South Bay Lakers, all starts, James averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He handled more on-ball duties and played extended minutes, a clear shift from his limited NBA role.The Lakers view him as a developmental guard who can provide backcourt depth during congested stretches. His improved decision-making as a secondary ball handler has stood out during recent assignments.Los Angeles hosts Sacramento at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
