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Lakers Announce Big Bronny James News Ahead of Brooklyn Nets Matchup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 5:15 PM ET

Sitting just four games above .500 and having lost three of their last four games, the Los Angeles Lakers could use a bit of a spark.

L.A. is also dealing with a series of injuries with guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, who’s dealing with a hamstring issue, and power forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who’s out for personal reasons, unlikely to play in Friday night’s home matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

Down two players heading into a winnable matchup against a Nets that that’s lost six of its last seven and eight of its last 10, the Lakers recalled rookie guard Bronny James from the South Bay Lakers on Friday evening, according to Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation.

The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled guard Bronny James from the South Bay Lakers.
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 17, 2025

James has appeared in just NBA games this season, logging four points, here assists, a rebound, a block, and a steal in a little under 22 total minutes. However, his G League stats show a different player.

In seven appearances with South Bay, James is averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game while playing 26.9 minutes per night. James is also shooting 36.6% from the field and 21.2% from 3-point range.

James has been arguably the most polarizing player on the Lakers’ roster since he was drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft. Most fans were against the decision to draft him, and the team got plenty of backlash for using a draft pick on him simply because he’s the son of the team’s biggest star.

But despite all of the negative things that have been written and said about James in the media, his father, LeBron James, recently disclosed on the “New Heights” podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce that Bronny actually works harder at his career because of his last name.

“Bronny doesn't have to play basketball at all,” LeBron said. “It's not like he needs the money. He can do whatever he wants to do. Like, if he wants to be the CEO of my company, he could be that... But he's like, 'This is my career. [These are] my goals and aspirations and I want to play ball.’”

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

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