Mon Oct 28 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Bronny James to Shuttle Between Lakers and G League Affiliate

**EL SEGUNDO, Calif. –** Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James is expected to split his time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, according to head coach JJ Redick. While the plans are fluid, the initial strategy will see Bronny travel with the Lakers on their upcoming road trip from Monday to November 6th, before transitioning between the two teams.

This move follows the historic moment of LeBron and Bronny James becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together in the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bronny dressed but did not play in Friday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers are prioritizing player development for the young James, and the G League experience is seen as crucial for his growth. Sources close to Bronny and his representative, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, confirmed that G League play was welcomed and a standard contract, rather than a two-way deal, was preferred for Bronny’s development.

LeBron James has also expressed his support for this plan, emphasizing the importance of both teams working together in developing Bronny’s skills. He stated, “Just [looking forward to] seeing him continue to grow as a basketball player, no matter if it’s here with us or if it’s down with the G League team, and him continuing to get better and better and better.”

The Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick, views Bronny’s development as a prime opportunity to implement the team’s new player development program. “We view Bronny as like, case study one, because his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing, there’s a lot to like about his game,” Redick explained.

Bronny James was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. It is common for players drafted in the mid-to-late second round to gain experience in the G League, and during the 2023-24 season, 23 out of the 28 second-round picks spent time in the G League. The South Bay Lakers are set to begin their G League season on November 9th, against the Salt Lake City Stars.

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