Lakers Make Bronny James Announcement After Luka Doncic News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 11:30 PM ET

Bronny James was at the center of a significant development for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, roughly 24 hours after Luka Doncic suffered a leg injury in their disappointing 103-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Doncic played just 20 minutes on Saturday before being forced to exit with a left leg contusion. The five-time All-Star was not able to return, finishing with 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer.

James, on the other hand, has failed to establish himself in head coach JJ Redick’s regular rotation this season, leading to the team’s decision to send him down to the NBA G League on Friday for another stint with the South Bay Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during an NBA game. © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Doncic reportedly suffered the injury in the first quarter of Saturday’s game. The 6-foot-8 guard had a collision with Clippers veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic, who appears to have made contact with Doncic’s calf. The Lakers superstar was hobbling the rest of the first half.

Doncic was able to close out the second quarter. However, the Lakers announced at halftime that the 26-year-old was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

On Sunday night, the Lakers announced that they have decided to recall James from the G League.

The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled guard Bronny James Jr. from the South Bay Lakers.
— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) December 22, 2025

James’ return to the lineup adds some much-needed depth amid the team’s injury crisis.

Doncic’s status for L.A.’s next game is in doubt, as they prepare for Tuesday’s road matchup against the Phoenix Suns . Austin Reaves has missed the last three games due to a calf injury, and he could sit out again on Tuesday. Gabe Vincent is not expected to play against the Suns either, potentially leaving the Lakers’ backcourt.

James, who has averaged 10.4 points on 40.3% shooting, 3.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.4 triples in seven appearances for South Bay this season, could suddenly find himself back in the rotation amid all the injuries to L.A.’s guards. Redick could potentially turn to the second-year shooting guard for some support in the second unit.

The Lakers currently have a 19-8 record. They will be on the road on Tuesday, with tip-off from Mortgage Matchup Center scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.

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

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