The Los Angeles Lakers picked up an impressive 110-97 home win over the New York Knicks on Sunday night despite being without LeBron James. His son, Bronny James, also missed the game against the Knicks as he was with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, playing against the Santa Cruz Warriors.
James put up 15 points, one rebound and two assists, while sinking three three-point shots as South Bay won 113-104. James also had a thunderous poster dunk, which generated a lot of attention.
This was his tenth game in the G League this season, averaging 15.3 points on 53.6% shooting from the field and 40.0% from three on five attempts a game. He's also averaging 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 25.9 minutes per game.
The Lakers have announced that they have promptly recalled Bronny to the main team after this G League assignment before their Tuesday night clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Lakers' 2025 second-round draft pick Adou Thiero also will return to the senior team alongside James.
Through 31 appearances during the 2025-26 season, the 21-year-old Bronny has averaged 2.1 points, 1.2 assists and 0.5 rebounds per game while shooting 39.7% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. He's had limited minutes but has showcased an increase in efficiency and defensive productivity in his second NBA season.
He has played more games than he did in his rookie season last year, averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists across 27 games on 31.3% from the field and 28.1% from three. He looks better-adjusted now and could have a rotational cameo against the Timberwolves if required, although it's unlikely barring any setbacks.
In Bronny's absence against the Knicks, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves led the Lakers comfortably in throttling an offense that had just scored 147 points against the Denver Nuggets.
James is showing clear improvement in his second NBA season and is objectively proving that he belongs in the NBA. While patience will be high with a developmental prospect like him, he will hope his progress through the season can open the door to a more rotational role next season.
With speculation on his father's future in the NBA, it'll be interesting to see how any offseason decision impacts Bronny on the Lakers. The guard is under contract until 2027 after signing a four-year, $7.89 million deal after being drafted.
