Second-year Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James played just 10 minutes in his first start of the 2025-26 season on Saturday. Those 10 minutes were among the 107 he has played in nine contests, amounting to 11.9 per game.
Before Sunday’s game, most of Bronny’s time on the court had been at the end of quarters or in garbage time. Even in his first start, versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny played only seven meaningful minutes to go with three minutes of garbage time.
LakeShow Life’s Tyler Watts believes Lakers head coach JJ Redick isn’t helping Bronny’s growth with his usage, and feels that the second-generation player may be better off playing in the G League, where he can hone his skills as a 21-year-old.
“How do the Lakers expect Bronny to improve if he doesn’t get consistent minutes?” asked Watts, arguing that Bronny never “got a serious opportunity” in his first start.
“He has struggled to start his second NBA season, but young players need playing time.”
A Return to the G League?
Unlike his debut season, Bronny James has been with the Lakers squad throughout the season, and there has been no talk from his camp or the Lakers about a potential G League stint. Bronny had a solid stint for the South Bay Lakers last year, averaging 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game on 38% shooting from three.
Watts argued that Bronny should be reassigned to the Lakers.
“…If Bronny can’t get consistent minutes in Los Angeles, the Lakers should prioritize his development and give him significant minutes in the developmental league. That is the only way he will reach his ceiling.”
Faces Threat from Kobe Bufkin?
With Gabe Vincent (ankle) sidelined, Bronny has had more opportunities, but his playing time could dry up further when the ex-Miami Heat guard returns. Furthermore, the Lakers recently signed former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin to their G League roster and could call him up at some point later in the season.
LakeShow Life’s Maxwell Ogden worries Bronny could see more DNPs if and when Bufkin joins the Lakers.
“Bronny James has the potential to become Vincent’s long-term replacement, but his competition just became stiffer than expected with the arrival of Kobe Bufkin,” wrote Ogden.
“…It’s far too soon to assume that Bufkin will make his mark on the Lakers, but the door is open for he and James to engage in a significant short-term and long-term battle for minutes,” added Ogdon.
Bronny (11.9) currently faces competition for playing time from Dalton Knecht (18.9) and Nick Smith Jr. (15.0). The USC alum is averaging 2.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.9 steals from 11.9 minutes in his second season with the Lakers.
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