Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) sits on the bench during a time out in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Lakers Make Big Bronny James Decision for Nuggets Game

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 11:05 PM ET

For their NBA Summer League finale in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are facing off on Friday night. The Lakers and Nuggets are both just 1-3 through the first four games of the Summer League, as neither team did well enough to make the four-team playoff.

Many fans were likely looking forward to watching Bronny James in action, but the Lakers have decided to sit him for their last game in Vegas.

Via Tomer Azarly: "Bronny James is OUT for the Lakers Summer League finale tonight [vs] the Nuggets."

Bronny James is OUT for the Lakers Summer League finale tonight be. The Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/2rXYhJTBt7
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 19, 2025

Bronny James has received plenty of criticism, especially for just being a 55th overall pick, but has truly turned heads in Las Vegas this summer. Through four appearances in Vegas, James averaged 14.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game with 47.6/30.0/78.6 shooting splits.

Of course, those numbers are brought down by a forgettable first game, as the young guard was much more comfortable in his last three outings. On Thursday, his last game in Las Vegas, James dropped 18 points and five assists on 7-13 shooting from the field.

Via Lakers All Day Everyday: "Bronny James in his last 3 games:

18 PTS, 5 AST, 2 REB
17 PTS, 5 AST, 5 REB
14 PTS, 3 AST, 1 REB"

Bronny James in his last 3 games:

18 PTS, 5 AST, 2 REB
17 PTS, 5 AST, 5 REB
14 PTS, 3 AST, 1 REB pic.twitter.com/ZO59Di847T
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 18, 2025

The Lakers also decided to sit out standouts Dalton Knecht and Darius Bazley against the Nuggets on Friday, while Denver kept out many of their more impactful players as well. Still, both teams are looking to finish their 2025 Summer League on a high note.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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