Lakers Make Bronny James Move After Spurs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 7:19 PM ET

Bronny James has not seen his role expand during his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 21‑year‑old guard has yet to carve out consistent minutes in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation, spending most of his time developing with the organization’s G League affiliate.

James was selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft out of USC, a pick the Lakers made largely because of his upside, feel for the game and long‑term developmental potential rather than immediate production.

Throughout 28 NBA games this season, he has averaged 2.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists while shooting 40.7% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9)Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

James delivered one of his strongest performances of the year on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Even though Los Angeles trailed throughout the night, he held his own against one of the Western Conference’s top teams.

James finished 5‑for‑10 from the field, knocked down both of his 3‑point attempts and added six assists and three rebounds in 25 minutes of action. It was a promising showing at home despite the blowout loss.

Despite that performance, the Lakers announced on Wednesday that James had been assigned to the South Bay Lakers, sending him back to the G League for further development.

“Lakers announce Bronny James has been assigned to South Bay. South Bay has a home game tonight against the San Diego Clippers,” reported David Mendez‑Yapkowitz of The IX Basketball.

Lakers announce Bronny James has been assigned to South Bay.

South Bay has a home game tonight against the San Diego Clippers.
— David Mendez-Yapkowitz (@Dave_Yapkowitz) February 11, 2026

The move is understandable given how shorthanded Los Angeles was against San Antonio, but it still represents a small setback for James after one of his better outings.

He will need to continue improving in the G League, where he has averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 35.6% from the field and 21.2% from 3-point range. His playmaking flashes have been encouraging, but efficiency remains the biggest hurdle.

For James, the path forward is clear: stack productive G League reps, sharpen his offensive consistency and stay ready for the next opportunity with the Lakers.

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

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