Lakers Make Disappointing Bronny James Decision Before Final NBA Summer League Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 11:29 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James has been performing well in his second NBA Summer League. Selected No. 55 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by Los Angeles, the former USC guard joined his father, LeBron James, on the Lakers. The two made history on opening night against the Minnesota Timberwolves when they checked in together as the league's first-ever father-son duo.

In his rookie campaign, the younger James averaged 2.3 points in 27 appearances. In his 18 G League games, which include the regular season and Tip-Off Tournament, James increased those averages dramatically to 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

So far this summer, James has shown off some of his improvement. In his last game, the 6-foot-3 sophomore poured in 18 points, three rebounds and five assists in 28 minutes against the Boston Celtics. While fans were hoping to see more of that against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, the Lakers made the disappointing decision to hold James out.

"Bronny James is OUT for the Lakers Summer League finale tonight," Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints reported on X.

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

This is the Summer League finale for Los Angeles, as the team will not have a consolation game or a run at the championship. With this being it for James, he ends the summer on a high note. His play seemed to improved as the games went on, as he attempts to make a real bid at rotation minutes in the NBA next season.

With it potentially being LeBron James' final year in the league, perhaps there could be even more opportunities alongside his son than there were last season.

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

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