Lakers Send Bronny James to the G League Early
The Lakers assigned Bronny James and rookie Cameron Carr to the G League, an early step that puts the guard's future with the team in question.
Bronny James' place with the Los Angeles Lakers looks less secure. The team assigned him and rookie Cameron Carr to the Coachella Valley Lakers in the G League on Thursday, the team announced.
A deal that ends this season
James' contract is guaranteed through the end of this season but not after it. If he does not show progress quickly, CBS Sports writes, he may be shopped before the deadline or let go once the season ends.
James entered the league in the 2024 draft and was the first NBA player to play alongside his father. LeBron is now with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers have the league's best record at 8-1, and the Lakers are 7-2.
CBS Sports argues the younger James is in a somewhat precarious spot with his father gone and the Lakers doing well without him. In its view the James name no longer counts for as much inside the organization, and a contender will not keep waiting on a second-round pick to develop.
The Knecht comparison
James survived final cuts. The Lakers waived former No. 17 overall pick Dalton Knecht to get down to 15 players, a surprising move given Knecht's draft status. Knecht had at least kept a steady rotation spot early as a rookie, then faded after a trade to the Charlotte Hornets fell through. CBS Sports notes that teams usually give their own first-round picks as many chances as possible.
Knecht has since landed a two-way deal with the Knicks, the reigning NBA champions. He made his first appearance on Wednesday in a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls and scored 10 points in 16 minutes. James has scored four points in 12 minutes across five appearances this season.
What the preseason showed
The 22-year-old is LeBron James's son. He played for the Lakers in last season's playoffs out of desperation because of injuries. With the Lakers healthier, he has been a spot-minutes player through both of his NBA seasons.
He struggled in preseason this year, shooting 4 of 16 from the field. Defense has always been his strength, but his size, 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, has limited his upside there.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said in October that James had a nice September and a good summer with the team, but that he had not played well in the four preseason games.
The assignment
James has played for the Coachella Valley Lakers before, across his first two seasons. CBS Sports calls such an early assignment "isn't exactly an encouraging start" to his third campaign.
Source: CBS Sports