Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James has appeared in 17 NBA games during his rookie season.

Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, LeBron James’ son has averaged 1.4 points in 4.2 minutes per game with the Lakers.

Seeing more consistent playing time in the G League, James has averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 12 appearances for the South Bay Lakers.

James’ last G League appearance came on Feb. 7 against the Valley Suns, a game in which he tallied 28 points, six rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes of action.

James has been with the NBA club since that impressive showing, scoring a career-high nine points against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 12 before the All-Star break.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Los Angeles returned to action on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets, a game in which James saw no playing time.

Facing the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, the Lakers made a notable decision on the rookie guard after news about recently acquired superstar Luka Doncic. Ruling Doncic out on the second night of a back-to-back, Los Angeles left Bronny James off the injury report.

This is despite the South Bay Lakers playing a home game the same night, which would usually be when Los Angeles assigns James to the G League. The Lakers say Luka Doncic and Jarred Vanderbilt are out tonight vs. Portland.

LeBron James is questionable. pic.twitter.com/lNGVoF9kSQ — Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 20, 2025 Announcing their active roster 30 minutes before Thursday’s game, the Lakers confirmed Bronny James is available, while Doncic is out (via Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation).

James has primarily appeared in South Bay home games this season, but with Doncic out, the Lakers have decided to keep him with the NBA club seemingly for extra guard depth.

This decision was further confirmed on Thursday evening when South Bay announced its starting lineup and James was absent.

Tonight’s starters: pic.twitter.com/0pTr0HkUPB — South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) February 21, 2025 James last played NBA rotation minutes on Jan. 28 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Lakers were again shorthanded in that game, leading to head coach JJ Redick opting for first quarter James minutes for the first time since opening night.