Bronny James stepped into the starting lineup on Saturday as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Milwaukee Bucks without several key players. With LeBron James still rehabbing with the South Bay Lakers and multiple rotation pieces unavailable, head coach JJ Redick opened the night with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and the younger James.
After the win, Austin Reaves took a moment to appreciate the surreal nature of the night, per News Week. Speaking to reporters, he said, “How about Bronny James starting in the NBA while LeBron’s assigned to the G League… that is awesome.” His reaction captured the odd, almost historic moment within a season that has already taken several unpredictable turns for the franchise.
Reaves Enjoys a Rare Father-Son Twist
Bronny’s start marked just the second of his career and his first of the season. Last year’s cameo came on the final day of the regular season when the Lakers had already secured the third seed in the Western Conference. That game held no stakes, which made Saturday feel like Bronny’s true introduction as a starter in a meaningful situation.
He logged 10 minutes, finished without a basket after two attempts, and added a rebound, an assist and a steal, per Yahoo. His time on the floor remained limited, although he defended with energy during each stretch. The Lakers leaned on Luka Doncic, who dropped 41 points in the 119 to 95 victory, and they rode strong play from Reaves as well. Reaves delivered 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds, continuing his early season rhythm.
While Bronny worked through modest production, his presence at tipoff reflected the Lakers’ health issues more than anything else. Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura remained out. Smart and Hachimura had started alongside Doncic in Friday’s win over the Pelicans, but illnesses and a calf issue kept them sidelined. With limited options available, Redick tested his rookie guard on a bigger stage.
LeBron’s absence added another layer. The 40-year-old has dealt with sciatica that affects his lower back and leg. He has spent the first stretch of the season ramping up with South Bay, participating in full contact work and 5 on 5 practices. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that LeBron could rejoin the main group for Monday’s session if progress continues through the weekend.
Bronny’s Growing Role as LeBron Nears Return
Bronny entered Saturday averaging 2.3 points and 1.9 assists in roughly 12 minutes per game. He has connected on 29.2 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep across eight appearances. His highlight of the season remains an alley-oop dunk in Miami that came off a lob from Reaves, a moment that drew a loud reaction from his father.
Saturday’s start may not repeat often, but it showed the coaching staff’s willingness to adjust. With LeBron working toward a return and the roster searching for stability, opportunities exist for younger players to find small roles that could grow over time.
The idea of LeBron working with a G League group while Bronny starts NBA games felt almost impossible a few years ago. The Lakers do not expect this dynamic to last, which made the night something of a novelty. Reaves recognized that and spoke with genuine appreciation for the scene.
The Lakers improved to 10 and 4 with the victory. Doncic and Reaves continue to carry the offense until LeBron returns. Once that happens, Los Angeles could eventually explore extended minutes with both Jameses on the court together. That possibility shaped plenty of preseason conversation, and Saturday highlighted how close the franchise may be to seeing it in real action.
For now, Bronny’s early steps remain small. Yet a meaningful start, a steady team win and a candid reaction from Reaves added another page to a season that keeps offering new wrinkles.
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