Lakers Announce Bronny James News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 1:16 PM ET

Bronny James Jr. is in his second NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He and father LeBron James became the first father-son duo to play in the league together.

In his rookie year, he appeared in 27 games for Los Angeles and spent most of the season developing with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. There, he posted solid results, averaging 21.9 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 44.3% over 11 contests.

The Lakers’ decision to split his time between the NBA and G League was part of a development strategy to give him consistent minutes and skill-growth opportunities.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) warms up before a game.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

This season has followed a similar trend. James has appeared in 26 games for Los Angeles, averaging 1.8 points, 1.1 assists and 37% shooting from the field. But he continues to rotate between the Lakers and South Bay for added playing time and development. He most recently played consecutive NBA games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards, where he made a highlight dunk on a fast break and finished with four points in limited minutes.

However, James will not be playing for a third straight game, per the Lakers’ latest injury report released on Sunday. The Lakers announced that the former USC Trojan has been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks due to left lower-leg soreness. He was initially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report on Saturday but will now be unavailable as the Lakers manage his workload and health.

Lakers announce Bronny James Jr. (left lower leg soreness) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game at New York.
— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) February 1, 2026

The Lakers will lean on their core rotation in his absence. LeBron James and Luka Doncic will again be expected to carry the offensive load as Los Angeles pursues postseason positioning in a competitive Western Conference.

The Lakers visit the New York Knicks at 7 p.m. ET Sunday.

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

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