LeBron and Bronny James’ NBA time has been put on hold as the Lakers assign Bronny to the G League team

CNN
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On Friday night, LeBron James will play his first game of the season without his son by his side.

The Los Angeles Lakers named Bronny James to the G League South Bay Lakers’ roster on Thursday.

The move was widely expected and comes after the rookie guard appeared in just three of the Lakers’ first eight games of the season. Bronny played a very limited role in the team and held his own four points in a total of 13 minutes of play.

The 20-year-old made history in the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves in October when he and LeBron became the first father-son duo to appear in an NBA game together.

Bronny, who was selected in the second round of the NBA draft in June, should see extended playing time in the G League, where many late draft picks get the opportunity to develop their skills.

James’ reassignment doesn’t necessarily mean that NBA fans will see the rookie play alongside his father in the NBA for the last time this season.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters in October that the team had done so The rookie was always expected to split his time between the NBA and the G League throughout the season.

“The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay was always the plan from day one,” Redick said, according to the Associated Press. “(Lakers general manager) Rob (Pelinka) and I talked about it. That’s what LeBron talked about.”

James’ path to NBA history wasn’t always smooth, playing alongside his famous father. As a freshman with the USC Trojans, James suffered a cardiac arrest during a team practice in July 2023.

Following the health scare, James underwent surgery to treat a congenital heart defect and was sidelined for several months before being allowed to return to court.

As a result, James’ only season at the collegiate level was shortened. He started only six games for the Trojans, spending most of his minutes on the bench.

James could make his debut with the South Bay Lakers on Saturday against the Salt Lake City Stars in El Segundo, California. Meanwhile, LeBron’s Lakers continue their season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.