Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Lakers Facing Bronny James Decision After News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 5:03 PM ET

Bronny James helped the Los Angeles Lakers earn their third straight win Sunday, improving to 5-2 on the 2025-26 NBA season with a 130-120 home victory over Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat. With several key players sidelined, including LeBron James and Deandre Ayton, Bronny logged 18 minutes, finishing with two points on 1-of-4 shooting, two assists, and three steals.

And on Monday, the Lakers were back in action for the second night of a back-to-back, hosting Jrue Holiday and the Portland Trailblazers. But, still missing LeBron due to sciatica, Los Angeles found themselves down a couple more stars, specifically at the guard position.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Luka Dončić missed three games late in October with a finger sprain and a leg contusion. Although the Slovenian star played in the Lakers’ last two games, the team opted to rest him for Monday’s matchup. Austin Reaves, meanwhile, appeared in Los Angeles’ first seven games but has also been ruled out against Portland due to right groin soreness.

With coach JJ Redick without his top two guards, the Lakers will have to decide who will start against the Trail Blazers. Newcomer Marcus Smart would likely be an option to slide into the point guard role, already starting three games this season with LA, including Sunday's win. But the other guard spot is up in the air.

Bronny is a candidate to start in place of Reaves, which would mark his first start of the season. In four appearances, the former USC standout is averaging 0.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Another option could be sliding Dalton Knecht, typically a forward, into the shooting guard role. Knecht has yet to start this season as well, but is a proven threat from long range.

The Lakers have ruled Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out tonight in Portland on the second night of a back-to-back: pic.twitter.com/UlxLzGGKDC
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 3, 2025

Following the game in Portland, Bronny and the Lakers will head back to Los Angeles for a battle with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

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

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