After making NBA history by sharing the court with his dad, LeBron James, Bronny James has embarked on a new chapter in his basketball career by joining the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise’s plan for their superstar’s son has always been clear: regular minutes in the developmental G League to help him along.
A Star-Studded Audience
Bronny’s G League debut on Saturday was a star-studded affair, with his parents, LeBron and Savannah James, and his sister Zhuri, along with former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, in attendance. They took their seats for warmups, taking advantage of a Lakers off day prior to a home game against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. The family members were seen cheering on Bronny from the sidelines, showcasing their unwavering support.
Lakers head coach J.J. Redick envisions Bronny becoming a valuable role player who can shoot 3-pointers and lock up opposing guards. Fans at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California got their first glimpse of Bronny in the G League on Saturday as he suited up for the South Bay Lakers — and the support for the 20-year-old as he begins this journey could not be more vociferous.
A Modest Beginning
While the occasion was momentous, Bronny’s on-court performance was relatively modest. He finished with six points, four rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes of action. Despite the limited playing time in the NBA, this G League stint provides Bronny with an invaluable opportunity to develop his skills and gain experience at a competitive level.
A Historic Father-Son Duo
Before joining the G League, Bronny made NBA history by playing alongside his father during the Lakers’ season opener vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. This historic moment marked the first time a father and son had shared the court in NBA history. As Bronny continues his journey in the G League, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his progress. His development will be crucial in determining his future in the NBA.
