The Los Angeles Lakers have sent Bronny James to their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, after the 22-year-old guard averaged just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points across five appearances during the team’s 7-2 start, ESPN Deportes reported Thursday.
The move, announced the same day the Lakers rookie Cameron Carr was also assigned to Coachella Valley, sends James to a developmental environment where he has historically produced far more. Across 25 games with the franchise’s former South Bay Lakers over the past two seasons, James averaged 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting, including 41.3% from 3-point range, along with 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds, according to ESPN.
A steep drop in playing time
James’s NBA role has shrunk each season. As a rookie he played 6.7 minutes per game over 27 contests, then 8.9 minutes per game across 42 games in his second season, USA Today reported. This year, through nine games, he has appeared in only five, and his most recent productive stretch came against Miami, when he scored two points and blocked a shot in a single minute, USA Today said.
The assignment came a day after the Lakers beat Sacramento 116-103, a game in which James logged just one minute, USA Today reported. With eight Lakers players averaging 23 minutes or more per game, the outlet noted, James has had little room to crack the rotation.
Why the G League fits right now
The contrast between James’s NBA and G League production is the clearest argument for the assignment. In Los Angeles he has been a bit player; in the developmental league he has been a primary scorer. The G League exists precisely for this kind of bridge — developing players who need minutes and usage that a deep, win-now NBA roster cannot provide.
The Lakers are atop the Pacific Division thanks largely to star Luka Dončić, USA Today reported, and the team sits near the top of the Western Conference alongside Portland (6-1) and Houston (7-2), according to ESPN. Sending James down does not cost the Lakers rotation minutes; it gives him a place to play.
Coachella Valley opens a new chapter Friday
The affiliate itself has changed identity this season. The South Bay Lakers were rebranded and relocated as the Coachella Valley Lakers, who now play home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert instead of the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo, ESPN reported.
There is a new coach, too. Alex Cerda was named to replace Zack Guthrie, who joined Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s staff, ESPN reported. Coachella Valley opens its season Friday, Nov. 6, at home against the Salt Lake City Stars at Acrisure Arena, USA Today reported.
Whether James’s stay proves to be a one-game tune-up or a longer developmental stint remains to be seen, USA Today noted.
Bronny James G League assignment: questions answered
How many minutes has Bronny James played for the Lakers this season? He has averaged 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points per game across five appearances in the Lakers’ first nine games, per ESPN and USA Today.
How did he do in the G League before? Over 25 games with the South Bay Lakers in the past two seasons, he averaged 18.4 points, 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 49.6% from the field and 41.3% from 3, ESPN reported.
Who else was sent down? Lakers rookie Cameron Carr was assigned to Coachella Valley on the same day, according to ESPN and USA Today.
When do the Coachella Valley Lakers play next? They open their season Friday, Nov. 6, at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert against the Salt Lake City Stars, USA Today reported.
Is LeBron James still with the Lakers? No. USA Today reported that LeBron James, 41, is playing for the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal with a player option.
The next confirmed checkpoint is Friday’s Coachella Valley season opener against the Salt Lake City Stars at Acrisure Arena, where James and Carr are expected to suit up.
Related reading
