Bronny James has been called up by the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate to join the NBA team for Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the move was made on Sunday evening.
James is averaging 13.4 points (21% shooting on 3s), 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals in seven games for the South Bay Lakers. In two games in Orlando for the G League Winter Showcase, he averaged 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.
A primary reason for James’ call could be that South Bay doesn’t have another game until Friday. (The next home game is Jan. 7.) Playing time is critical to his development, so giving him some minutes — even if just a few — during the Lakers’ next two games could be considered beneficial.
Plus, the Lakers might need some extra bodies. Bronny’s father LeBron is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report in left foot injury management.
The original plan for James was reportedly that he would not play in road games for South Bay. However, he has played in the team’s past four games: two in Phoenix on Thursday and Friday, followed by two in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday.
Bronny James does it all!
Back-to-back assists to find his teammates, then is rewarded with a wide-open 3 for himself 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/9wswSYwixQ
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) December 19, 2024
A call-up to the Lakers doesn’t necessarily mean an endorsement of James’ recent play in the G League. The consensus among scouts is that the 20-year-old rookie still needs to work on many aspects of his game, Stein reports.
“The unanimous view I heard while watching scouts at the Showcase is that James needs as much time as possible in the G League,” Stein reported, “to improve all aspects of his point guard game, from his floor game to (especially) his ability to shoot.”
Bronny has been dealing with a bruise in his left heel, and the Lakers have been particularly careful with the injury because he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the same leg during his high school years.
Earlier this season, Bronny played in seven games with Los Angeles, averaging 0.6 points and 0.3 assists in 2.6 minutes per game.
