The Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James and rookie Cameron Carr to the G League on Thursday, the team announced. James already knows the Coachella Valley Lakers well after spending time with the affiliate across his first two seasons, but such an early demotion is hardly an encouraging way to open his third NBA campaign.
James, the 22-year-old son of LeBron James, saw playoff minutes for the Lakers last season largely out of desperation as injuries mounted. When the roster has been closer to full strength, he has never earned more than spot duty. His preseason this year was rough, as he connected on just 4 of 16 shots from the field. He has long been a defense-first player, yet his 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame caps how much impact he can make on that end.
Lakers coach JJ Redick offered a blunt assessment 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," Redick said.
Even with those struggles, James survived final cuts. The Lakers instead waived Dalton Knecht, a former No. 17 overall pick, to trim the roster to 15 players. The decision raised eyebrows given the difference in draft pedigree. Knecht had at least held a steady rotation role early in his rookie season before his standing slipped following a failed trade to the Charlotte Hornets, and teams usually prefer to give their own first-round selections every chance to pan out.
Knecht has since landed with the defending NBA champion New York Knicks. He made his debut on Wednesday in a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls, scoring 10 points in 16 minutes. James, by comparison, has produced four points in 12 minutes spread across five appearances this season.
Drafted in 2024, James became the first player in NBA history to share the court with his father. The elder James now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, and both franchises have flourished since the separation. Philadelphia owns the league's best record at 8-1, while the Lakers sit close behind at 7-2.
That success leaves the younger James in a delicate spot. With his father gone and the team winning without him, his name does not carry the weight it once did within the organization. A club with championship ambitions will not wait indefinitely for a second-round pick to develop.
James' contract is guaranteed only through the end of this season. Unless he shows rapid progress, he could surface as a trade candidate at the deadline or simply fail to be retained once the year is over.
