Lakers Make Bronny James Announcement After 1 Missed Game

Ahead of Friday's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers announced James had been downgraded to questionable with an illness. Shortly before game time, the team shared the unfortunate update he had been downgraded to out ( via Jovan Buha of The Athletic).

With fans awaiting an update on James' status for Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers announced via their official injury report that he will be available after the one missed game. LeBron James remains listed as probable with a left groin strain, but his son's removal from the injury report means the rookie guard will be available.

James' absence against New Orleans ended up being especially unfortunate, because with LA defeating the Pelicans handedly, JJ Redick was able to pull his starters in the game's final minutes. This would have presumably given James a chance for brief playing time.

Not in Redick's rotation when the Lakers are fully-healthy, James has gotten some extended opportunities when Los Angeles has been shorthanded. This includes a career-high 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20.

Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, James was expected to spend much of his rookie season in the G League. The former USC guard made 18 total appearances for South Bay this season (regular season and Tip-Off Tournament).