Bronny James, the young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been re-assigned to the G-League. This occurred after he was recalled to the NBA on Monday following the Lakers’ victory over the New York Knicks. The news came on Tuesday, ahead of their home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Inconsistent Minutes Lead to G-League Stint
James entered the 2025-26 NBA season with hopes of making progress after his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after one season at USC. Much of his first professional season was spent splitting time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as the organisation focused on his long-term development.
Through 31 NBA games this season, James is averaging 2.1 points, 1.2 assists and 0.5 rebounds per game while shooting 39.7% from the field in 7.2 minutes. The Lakers have frequently assigned him to the G-League to ensure he continues getting valuable game reps, due to the lack of consistent NBA minutes.
In 10 games with the South Bay Lakers during the 2025-26 season, James has averaged 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals. He has demonstrated more offensive rhythm and playmaking ability when given extended minutes.
Rookie Season Performance
James appeared in 27 NBA games during the 2024-25 season, averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 6.7 minutes per game. He shot 31.3% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range.
The expectation around the organisation was that his second season would represent a clear step forward. Instead, the campaign has followed a very similar pattern.
Lakers Committed to Long-Term Development
The latest decision underscores the difficult reality of James’ second season. While the G-League assignments allow him to continue developing, the constant movement between leagues signals that he has not yet earned a consistent role in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.
The continued lack of playing time is reasonably disappointing for a player who entered the season hoping to establish himself at the NBA level. The Lakers appear committed to a long-term development approach with James, giving him opportunities in the G-League while waiting for him to gradually grow into a bigger role at the NBA level.
Update: James was recalled by the Lakers at 2:58 p.m. PT on Tuesday.