Bronny James Sent Packing Back to the G League to Refocus on Development

Bronny James is heading back to the G League as the Lakers look to keep his development on track.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Monday, February 9, that Bronny has been reassigned to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, following the team’s recent win over the Golden State Warriors. The organization wants the 2024 second-round pick to log consistent minutes while the NBA rotation stays tight.

Reporter David Mendez Yapkowitz shared the news on Twitter, writing, “Lakers announce they have assigned Bronny James to South Bay. Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero were already assigned for practice yesterday. South Bay has a home game this week on Wednesday in between Lakers’ home games, against the SD Clippers.”

Lakers announce they have assigned Bronny James to South Bay. Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero were already assigned for practice yesterday.

South Bay has a home game this week on Wednesday in between Lakers’ home games, against the SD Clippers.

— David Mendez-Yapkowitz (@Dave_Yapkowitz) February 9, 2026

At the NBA level, James has played in 27 games this season, including one start. He is averaging just over six minutes per night, similar to his rookie workload. With Gabe Vincent back in action and the Lakers settling into a steady rotation, minutes have been hard to come by. He is currently averaging 1.9 points and 1.1 assists while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range.

However, his G League production paints a stronger picture. In nine games with South Bay, James is averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He is also shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero have also spent time with South Bay for practice reps. For Thiero, the assignment reflects progress in his return from a knee injury that has sidelined him since late December.

James, the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is under contract for two more guaranteed seasons, with a team option for 2027 to 2028.

His reassignment comes as headlines have also focused on reported tension between Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and LeBron James. ESPN previously reported claims that Buss considered trading him and felt he was not sufficiently appreciative after the Lakers drafted Bronny in 2024.

Buss rejected that characterization, stating, “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama.” She added that suggesting his contributions were unappreciated was “just not true and completely unfair to him.”