The Lakers’ plans with the best Bronny James of the season: Is he returning to the NBA?

Bronny James, the highly anticipated rookie and son of NBA legend LeBron James, is making significant strides in the G League. Playing for the South Bay Lakers, Bronny showcased his potential with a career-high 31 points against the Rip City Remix on Friday, raising his season scoring average to an impressive 16.3 points over 10 games.

Despite his overall shooting percentages being a work in progress-39.0% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc-recent performances suggest he is finding his rhythm. Over his last few games, Bronny has converted 17 of his last 36 field-goal attempts and eight of his last 16 three-point shots, signaling steady improvement.

His athleticism has also been on full display, going viral for a poster dunk during Friday’s game, echoing the flair and talent of his famous father.

The Lakers’ Approach: G League Development

Following the Lakers’ win against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, the team confirmed Bronny would remain with the South Bay Lakers for at least one more game. This decision aligns with their developmental strategy, allowing the young guard to capitalize on his momentum in the G League before rejoining the main roster.

South Bay has a gap in their schedule, with their next game slated for Wednesday against the Texas Legends. By keeping Bronny in El Segundo, the Lakers aim to provide him with additional practice time with his G League teammates, honing his skills further.

The NBA team, meanwhile, continues its six-game road trip, concluding with a marquee matchup against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on February 4. Speculation is building that this game could mark Bronny‘s return to the NBA stage, depending on his progress and the team’s needs.

NBA Transition and Future Prospects

Bronny has made 12 NBA appearances this season, logging limited minutes and contributing four points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. His opportunities have largely come at the end of games with predetermined outcomes. To maximize his development, the Lakers have opted to prioritize meaningful playing time in the G League over sporadic NBA appearances.