Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Reveal Big Bronny James News Before NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 3:27 PM ET

After defeating the Houston Rockets 140-109 on Saturday, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have officially locked into the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

With one game remaining in the regular season, the Lakers have elected to rest most of their key players, including LeBron (left groin strain) and Luka Doncic (left quad soreness), for Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Los Angeles rookie Bronny James, LeBron's son, has appeared in 26 NBA games with the Lakers this season. He even got some minutes toward the end of the win over Houston, hitting a late 3-pointer.

But now, for the first time in his young career, Bronny has received the nod as a starter.

Against Portland, Bronny will be starting alongside seventh-year guard Shake Milton in the backcourt. Fellow rookie Dalton Knecht will be joining him alongside forward Markieff Morris and center Alex Len, per Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell.

Despite being a rookie, Knecht, the sharpshooter out of Tennessee, has the most starting experience of the above five players, getting the nod at starter in 15 games prior to Sunday.

Starters: pic.twitter.com/Mpu1oomJV5
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 13, 2025

Bronny has found some success in the NBA, especially after the All-Star break. In a March 20 win over the Bucks, the former USC guard recorded 17 points, three rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes of action, all career highs.

Although the Lakers don't have much to play for on Sunday, they still await their first-round opponent. Barring results of the final day of the regular season, LA will face either the Warriors, Nuggets or Timberwolves.

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

More must-reads: