Lakers assistant Nate McMillan hinted that Bronny James could earn NBA minutes this season.

The 20-year-old impressed in the G-League, averaging 21.9 points while flashing strong three-point shooting and defensive potential.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ future plans might feature a familiar name from their 2024 NBA Draft board: Bronny James.

The No. 55 overall pick from last year’s draft authored a breakout campaign with the G-League’s South Bay Lakers in 2024–25. And according to assistant coach Nate McMillan, his promotion to the big stage might be closer than many think.

“I love Bronny,” McMillan said Tuesday on The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac. “Great, great young man and, you know, we expect him to possibly get some minutes this year.”

Bronny’s rookie season in the G-League was anything but quiet. In 11 appearances, the 20-year-old averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, while hitting 38.0% of his 8.4 three-point attempts per game. His defensive upside showed as well — he tallied 1.9 steals per game and posted 0.4 defensive win shares.

While the Lakers could start him in South Bay again this season, McMillan’s comments suggest the staff is eager to give the late second-rounder a limited but meaningful role in the NBA rotation.

Bronny isn’t entirely new to the purple-and-gold spotlight. He suited up for 27 games with the main roster last season, averaging 2.3 points and 0.8 assists in 6.7 minutes.

But with Luka Doncic now running the show — and McMillan publicly vouching for him — his second year could be the moment he goes from a G-League sensation to a steady contributor in Los Angeles.