Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the June draft, is set to split his time between the Los Angeles Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. This decision comes after ESPN reported that James will transition between the two teams following the Lakers' upcoming five-game trip, which concludes on November 6. The South Bay Lakers are scheduled to kick off their G League season on November 9 against the Salt Lake City Stars.
Lakers coach JJ Reddick mentioned that the plans regarding James' involvement with both teams are subject to change based on real-time circumstances. Reddick emphasized the fluidity of the situation, noting that adjustments may occur as needed. The concept of Bronny James moving between the Lakers and South Bay has been in place since the beginning, with discussions involving General Manager Rob Pelinka and LeBron James.
During his rookie season, it is common for second-round picks to spend time in the G League and operate on two-way contracts. Bronny James recently played 3 minutes in the Lakers' victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing his potential. In the preseason, he averaged 4.2 points and 16.2 minutes per game across six appearances.
LeBron James, who spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and secured an NBA championship in 2016, expressed his support for his son's development. The elder James highlighted the importance of accountability and growth, emphasizing the unity between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers. He emphasized the collective effort to improve and evolve as a team.
The Lakers are gearing up to face the Sacramento Kings before embarking on their upcoming road trip, which includes a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The decision to have Bronny James split his time between the NBA and the G League aligns with the family's vision for his basketball journey, focusing on continuous improvement and development.
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