Bronny James’ NBA showing in year two has remained limited, similar to his rookie season. In 32 games with the Lakers, the second-round pick is averaging 2.1 points and 1.2 assists on 39.7% shooting.
Not surprisingly, such poor numbers are not enough to secure a spot in second-year head coach JJ Redick’s primary rotation for a team currently sitting fourth in the West at 40-25.
With the playoffs approaching and minutes limited, the Lakers have kept him on an extended G League assignment with the South Bay Lakers to prioritize his further development.
However, there is no denying that down in the G League, a different Bronny has been showing up on Wednesday. Early in the first quarter against the Iowa Wolves, with the game tied 12-12, he caught a pass, drove to the rim, and threw down a powerful one-handed slam to give South Bay the lead.
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In the game, he finished with 17 points, three assists, and two rebounds while shooting efficiently, helping lead the South Bay to a 123-116 victory. The win improved their record to 20-8, and it marked the team’s 10th consecutive victory.
Highlighting his aggressive play, the South Bay’s official Instagram account branded his highlight-reel slam as a “business decision.”
Afterwards, his younger brother Bryce, a redshirt freshman at the University of Arizona, shared the highlight reel, showing support for his elder brother via Instagram story with “😤” in the caption.
Through 11 G League games this season, Bronny is averaging 15.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. His two-way production is particularly evident at this level, where he also shoots a strong 42.6% from three-point range, helping lead the South Bay to a record-tying winning streak.
The Lakers briefly recalled Bronny from South Bay on Tuesday morning ahead of their game against Minnesota, but he was swiftly reassigned to the G League that same afternoon. With the NBA playoffs approaching soon and Redick’s rotation firmly locked in, Bronny’s chances of getting meaningful minutes this postseason remain slim.
Related: Lakers Announce Bronny James Decision Before Timberwolves Game