Lakers Make Major Decision on Bronny James’ Immediate Future

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again battling inconsistency at the NBA level, with a current three-game losing streak tightening an already congested Western Conference playoff race.

Despite those struggles, the organization has continued to lean heavily on its G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, using the platform to provide meaningful minutes to fringe roster players and developing prospects.

Two-way trio Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr., and Chris Manon have all featured prominently in recent outings, alongside NBA assignees Adou Thiero and Bronny James.

James, in particular, has taken on a consistent role, appearing in South Bay’s last four games across a six-day span.

All indications suggest that trend will continue, as the Lakers appear increasingly committed to accelerating the sophomore guard’s development through extended G League action.

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Lakers Continue Bronny James G League Development Plan

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors, Rui Hachimura emerged as the most notable name on the Lakers’ latest injury report.

The forward has been listed as doubtful due to illness and is expected to miss his second consecutive game during a critical stretch of the season.

Further down the injury report, Bronny James and Adou Thiero were also listed, though their designations reflect ongoing G League assignments rather than injury concerns.

Thiero has appeared in one game during each of South Bay’s recent back-to-back sets against the Texas Legends and Valley Suns.

The Lakers appear to be carefully managing his workload following knee surgery that delayed the start of his season and a long-term MCL sprain that sidelined him throughout January.

James’ continued presence in the G League, however, carries broader significance.

With limited NBA minutes available in a crowded rotation, there has been growing external calls for the Lakers to prioritize his development through consistent G League action.

Recent decisions suggest the organization is now fully embracing that approach, providing him with the extended runway needed to refine his game.

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Bronny James Showing Measurable Progress With South Bay

Through 14 games with the Lakers’ G League affiliate this season, James is averaging 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting an efficient 47.4% from the field and 30.6% from three-point range.

His production has taken a noticeable step forward in recent weeks. Across eight regular season contests, he has increased his scoring average to 15.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.5% from beyond the arc.

His latest appearance came Thursday against the Valley Suns, where he finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist on 5-of-10 shooting in 23 minutes.

The Lakers guard also continued to flash defensive growth, recording two steals as South Bay secured a commanding 129-98 victory.

That performance came just days after his most impressive outing of the season, when he delivered a season-high 21 points against the same Suns team.

In that game, James shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the field, added three rebounds and two assists, and recorded a season-best four steals, showcasing his expanding two-way impact.

South Bay’s success with James in the lineup has been notable. The team holds an 11-3 record in games he has appeared in this season, highlighting his growing influence on both ends of the floor.

His defensive focus, in particular, has emerged as a defining aspect of his development as he works towards earning more consistent NBA opportunities.

James has now appeared in 32 career G League games, including 18 during as a rookie and 14 so far this season.

With the Lakers clearly prioritizing his long-term growth, that total is expected to rise significantly in the coming months as the organization prepares for a pivotal offseason.

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans