Lakers Announce Bronny James Decision Ahead of Wizards Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 2:31 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the best teams in the NBA, a legitimate contender to make a deep run this year in the Western Conference. Even with that level of expectation, the organization continues to prioritize the development of its younger players, including shooting guard Bronny James.

The 21‑year‑old is in his second season with the franchise after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. He has continued to split time between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he has been able to log more consistent minutes.

With Los Angeles carrying plenty of capable wings, James playing time at the NBA level has fluctuated, but he has made the most of his opportunities. Through 34 appearances, he has averaged 2.1 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.4 steals while shooting an impressive 41.9% from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As the Lakers prepared for Monday’s matchup against the Wizards, James had been sent down to the G League on Saturday following his performance against the Brooklyn Nets. He knocked down a 3-pointer assisted by LeBron James, marking the first father‑son assist in NBA history.

With Luka Doncic set to miss Monday’s game after his one-game suspension was upheld, there was some uncertainty about whether James might be recalled, even in a bench role.

That possibility was ruled out on Sunday. The Lakers announced they had assigned James, along with Kobe Bufkin and Dalton Knecht, to South Bay for practice (h/t Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI).

The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guards Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James Jr. and Dalton Knecht to the South Bay Lakers for today’s practice.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 30, 2026

James heading to practice with South Bay officially rules him out for Monday’s game against Washington, which is a bit disappointing considering the additional backcourt minutes available due to Doncic’s absence.

While he will only practice with South Bay, James has thrived in the G League this season. Through 14 games, he has averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 56.4% from the field and 45.6% from 3-point range.

James' next opportunity to return to the NBA will come Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, though it remains unclear whether he will be with the Lakers or continue his development in the G League.

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

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