The Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James and rookie Cameron Carr to the G League on Thursday, the team announced. James, the 22-year-old son of LeBron James, has spent time with the Coachella Valley Lakers across his first two seasons. The early assignment is not an encouraging start to his third NBA campaign.
James played for the Lakers in the playoffs last season due to injuries, but when the team was closer to full strength, he failed to earn more than spot minutes in his first two NBA seasons. He struggled in the preseason, shooting 4 of 16 from the field. His size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) has limited his defensive upside. Lakers coach JJ Redick said in October: "I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us, but I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games."
Despite preseason struggles, James survived final cuts as the Lakers waived former No. 17 overall pick Dalton Knecht to get their roster down to 15 players. Knecht, a former first-round pick, had held a consistent rotation role early in his rookie season but fell off after a failed trade to the Charlotte Hornets. He signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks and scored 10 points in 16 minutes in his first game. By comparison, James has scored four points in 12 minutes across five appearances this season.
James was drafted in 2024 and became the first player in NBA history to share the court with his father. Now LeBron James is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, and both teams are doing well after their separation. The 76ers have the NBA's best record at 8-1, and the Lakers are 7-2. With his father gone and the Lakers thriving, the younger James is in a precarious position. His contract is guaranteed through the end of this season but not guaranteed afterward. If he doesn't show progress quickly, he could be a trade candidate at the deadline or not retained after the season.
