Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bronny James Dealt Bad News on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 2:06 PM ET

Bronny James entered the 2025-26 NBA season hoping to take a meaningful step forward after what had been a challenging rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers. The young guard, who was selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after one season at USC, spent much of his first professional season splitting time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers as the organization prioritized his long-term development.

His rookie season offered flashes of potential but limited opportunity at the NBA level. Bronny 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 while shooting 31.3% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9).Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Because of that, the expectation around the organization was that his second season would represent a clear step forward. Instead, the campaign has followed a very similar pattern.

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.

Because of the lack of consistent NBA minutes, the Lakers have frequently assigned him to the G-League to ensure he continues getting valuable game reps. 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, showing far more offensive rhythm and playmaking ability when given extended minutes.

James was recently recalled to the NBA Monday after the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks. However, on Tuesday, he was dealt more disappointing news as the Lakers re-assigned him again to the G-League ahead of their home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guards Bronny James Jr. and Dalton Knecht along with forward Adou Thiero to the South Bay Lakers.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 10, 2026

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.

For a player who entered the season hoping to establish himself at the NBA level, the continued lack of playing time, even when active with the Lakers, is reasonably disappointing.

In the meantime, 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.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: