Los Angeles Lakers assign LeBron’s son Bronny James to NBA G League affiliate

As expected since the 2024-25 season began, the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday assigned Bronny James to their NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania broke the news on X (previously Twitter) with colleague Dave McMenamin, announcing the move the Lakers had planned for the second-round draft choice entering his rookie season.

The Lakers today assigned Bronny James to their NBA G League affiliate, South Bay, where he’s expected to debut vs. Salt Lake City on Saturday, sources said. James will be on Lakers roster vs. 76ers Friday, then rejoin South Bay. 

Of course, Bronny and his legendary father, LeBron James, got to make history before James’ son was assigned to the G League.

They became the first father-son duo in NBA history to play together on opening night when first-year Lakers coach JJ Redick subbed Bronny in in the second quarter to play alongside his dad.

Though Bronny has played sparingly this year, he scored his first career NBA regular-season points in his homecoming game in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers in October.

Charania also reported the plan for Bronny in the G League is for him to play only in South Bay home games.

In theory, Bronny will get more playing time to develop his game at the G League level instead of riding the bench and getting subbed in mostly in garbage time for Redick’s Lakers.

What are Bronny James stats?

CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 30: Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
In four NBA games this season, Bronny has played a 13 combined minutes, shooting 1 of 6 from the floor (0 of 4 from 3-point range). He’s scored four points to go with two assists, a rebound and a steal.

In his most recent outing in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 6, Bronny missed both of his two 3-point attempts but scored two points on free throws.