Lakers Announce Bronny James News After Grizzlies Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 5:47 PM ET

Entering his second NBA season, Bronny James hoped to take a step forward after a challenging rookie year that was defined by limited opportunities. The Los Angeles Lakers guard came into Year Two focused on development and consistency, aiming to translate offseason work into a clearer role with a team firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture.

James’ rookie season offered flashes but little stability. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he appeared in 27 games for the Lakers, averaging 6.7 minutes per contest while posting 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game on 31.3% shooting from the field. With minutes hard to come by under head coach JJ Redick, James regularly shuffled between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he struggled to establish himself in a crowded backcourt rotation.

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

That pattern has largely continued into the 2025-26 season. Through 18 games so far, James has played 8.2 minutes per game, averaging 1.6 points, 0.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 31.4% from the floor. He has again found it difficult to crack the Lakers’ regular rotation, often seeing action in short stints or during lopsided stretches.

On Saturday, following Los Angeles’ 128-121 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, the Lakers announced they are reassigning James to the G League. The move marks another stint with South Bay this season as the organization continues to prioritize his long-term development.

The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guard Bronny James Jr. to the South Bay Lakers.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) January 3, 2026

In the G League, James has continued to develop in limited action. In six games with South Bay this season, he is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 assists per game.

Meanwhile, the Lakers improved to 21-11 with the win over Memphis, behind strong performances from LeBron James (31 points, nine rebounds and six assists) and Luka Doncic (34 points, eight assists and six rebounds). Los Angeles will welcome the Grizzlies back to Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, looking to secure a second straight victory.

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

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