By Sunday 
Young Guard Continues His Development with South Bay Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are turning the page after an emotional win against the Dallas Mavericks, a game filled with storylines, including Luka Dončić’s reunion and Anthony Davis’ return to L.A. Despite the distractions, the Lakers pulled off a victory, but their focus now shifts to Thursday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the midst of preparations, the team made an important announcement regarding rookie guard Bronny James.
Bronny Heads Back to the G League
After being available for the Mavericks game, James has been reassigned to the G League, where he will rejoin the South Bay Lakers for their upcoming matchup against the Salt Lake City Stars on Friday night.
The move isn’t surprising, given the Lakers’ deep backcourt rotation and James’ ongoing development. While he hasn’t logged significant minutes at the NBA level, his time in the G League has been productive.
Shining in South Bay
Bronny James has been making the most of his opportunities with the South Bay Lakers. So far this season, he’s averaging an impressive 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, proving that he can handle a more significant role when given the chance.
His latest performance against the Valley Suns was another step forward—he dropped 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting, adding five rebounds and six assists to his stat line.
The G League has provided James with a chance to refine his skills, particularly in a lead-guard role. Unlike with the Lakers, where he often plays off the ball due to the presence of veteran playmakers, South Bay gives him the freedom to control the offense and build confidence.
A Test Against a Former NBA Star
James’ next challenge in the G League will be an exciting one. On Friday night, he’ll go head-to-head with former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas, who was recently signed by the Salt Lake City Stars. Thomas is coming off a 32-point performance on Wednesday, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup between the rising rookie and the experienced veteran.
What’s Next for Bronny?
While James’ immediate future remains in the G League, his strong performances continue to fuel speculation about when he might carve out a more consistent role with the Lakers. For now, he’ll focus on fine-tuning his game, proving he belongs at the NBA level, and preparing for the next opportunity to make an impact in L.A.