The Los Angeles Lakers signed Bronny James, the eldest son of superstar forward LeBron James, to a four-year, $7.9 million contract after picking him in the late second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
With his rookie season approaching and having already gotten his feet wet in some summer league play, Bronny was inquired about a possible assignment in the G League for the 2024-25 season.
The 19-year-old was open to spending time in the NBA’s development league, where he would have much more opportunities to see the court than in the NBA, where he is expected to be a bench player.
“I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play, no matter what level I’m playing at,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Bronny’s development will be critical early in his career, and the minutes he’ll play against strong opponents in the G League may help speed up the process. Most significantly, he expressed his willingness to accept such a job.
Bronny has struggled in his first three summer league games, shooting 23.1% (6-for-26) and going 0-for-12 from outside the arc. He had eight points in his last game against the Houston Rockets but went 3-for-14.
L.A.’s summer league coach, Dane Johnson, who also coaches the organization’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, was asked about Bronny joining his team.
“I don’t know about that yet, so I can’t really comment on that,” Mr. Johnson replied. “But I think all these guys are going to be in the G League at some point—the draftees.”
Los Angeles returns to the floor on Monday against the Boston Celtics, and Bronny will be trying to regain his shooting touch and score his first three of the summer.
