Bronny James saw some action for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday in their 128-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard logged five minutes off the bench but was not able to register any counting stats in the win.
James has struggled to establish himself as a permanent fixture in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation this season. The 21-year-old has made 31 appearances for L.A. so far this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.2 assists in just 7.2 minutes per contest.
On Saturday, the Lakers announced their decision to send James back to the NBA G League with their affiliate team, the South Bay Lakers.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
This is not James’ first stint with South Bay. In fact, the second-year guard has been going back and forth throughout the course of the 2025-26 season.
James has been more impactful in the G League. Entering Sunday’s matchup against the Santa Cruz Warriors, James had already suited up six times for South Bay this season. During that stretch, he’s averaged 9.5 points on 35.6% shooting, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 triples in 30.9 minutes per contest.
James made waves with his performance on Sunday as he helped South Bay defeat Santa Cruz, 113-104. The former USC Trojans standout recorded 15 points, one rebound, two assists, three triples and a thunderous poster slam.
BRONNY JAMES POSTER OMG 😤
(Via @nbagleague) pic.twitter.com/5I9iAZJaBH— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 9, 2026
James caught fans’ attention for what he did in the G League on Sunday after the Lakers decided to send him to South Bay.
“That’s how you get the bench on its feet,” a comment on X read.
“Baby bron been showing out,” said another.
“G League king 👑 that world is yours,” declared a supporter.
“That was nasty, Bronny really catching bodies now? 🤣” a reaction read.
“Imagine what he’ll look like in 5 years if he keeps developing like this,” another said.
“Bronny’s glow-up is REAL 🔥 That poster got me feeling like the league’s next big thing already 👀💯” a fan wrote.
The Lakers were also in action in the NBA on Sunday, without James, of course. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves led L.A. to a 110-97 home win against the New York Knicks.
The Lakers’ next game is on Tuesday. They host Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. It remains to be seen if James will be called up to the main squad ahead of that Western Conference showdown.
Related: Lakers Announce Deandre Ayton Injury Update After Leaving Thursday’s Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
