Why Bronny James Is Not Playing in Lakers-Heat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jan 15, 2025 8:09 PM ET

As the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Miami Heat on Wednesday, they will be without Bronny James once again.

James missed the Lakers' last game against the San Antonio Spurs due to an undisclosed illness. Unfortunately, a few days after his absence, it appears he still hasn't recovered.

The Lakers ruled out James for the Heat showdown as he continues to battle an illness, as the team stated in its latest injury report.

Also out for the Lakers are Dorian Finney-Smith (personal reasons), Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot) and Christian Wood (left knee). Hood-Schifino, Vanderbilt and Wood also missed the Purple and Gold's previous game as well due to their nagging injuries.

Bronny James is averaging 0.4 points, 0.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists for the Lakers this 2024-25 season. However, it's worth noting that he has only played in nine games and hasn't gotten a lot of playing time, averaging 2.4 minutes per contest.

The eldest of LeBron James' kids has put up 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals in two regular-season games in the G League. In the Tip-Off Tournament, where he has played seven games so far, he's averaging 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals.

It remains to be seen when Bronny James will be available to play. After the Heat game, the Lakers return to action on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets.

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

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