So far, Bronny James has only played in home games with the South Bay Lakers, but that will change this week as he makes his G League road debut against the Valley Suns.
Bronny James' rookie season has gone about as expected in Los Angeles.
Given that he is a developmental player and was taken late in the second round by the Lakers, his first year in the NBA has resulted in a lot of watching and a few shifts here and there.
He's also played with the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, but only during home games.
However, that is no longer the case, as ESPN's Shams Charania has reported that Bronny will play with the G league team when they face the Valley Suns on Thursday away from home.
This is a change in events, as it was reported earlier this season that Bronny would not play in South Bay road games.
Lakers' Bronny James will play his first NBA G League South Bay road game on Thursday vs. Valley Suns, sources tell ESPN. James began the G League season shuttling between the Lakers and South Bay home games, but sides kept door open the opportunity for road contests.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2024
Bronny has played well for the South Bay Lakers. His most recent outing was on Saturday when he played 21 minutes and scored 16 points on 6-15 shooting in the team's 119-111 win over the San Diego Clippers.
For reference, that South Bay game is more playing time than Bronny has gotten with the Lakers all season. So far, he has played in seven games for a grand total of 17 minutes, scoring four points on 1-8 shooting with the purple and gold.
Every rookie needs different environments to be successful and for Bronny, getting more game reps is ideal.
It's important to remember that, in his one season at USC, he only played 25 games due to the cardiac arrest he suffered the summer before his college career began.
So, playing as much basketball as possible, whether in the NBA or G League, will help Bronny develop into the best player he can be.
Not that the Lakers would ever care about critics, but hopefully, his playing in G League road games will quiet the outcry from people complaining about Bronny only playing in South Bay home games.
The franchise is focused on Bronny's best interest and that is their main motivation when making decisions about the rookie guard.
Several Lakers played in G League games during their rookie seasons, including Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis and Jalen Hood-Schifino just last season.
With Bronny now doing it all, from making his NBA and G league debuts on the road and at home. Hopefully, the hysteria around him can die down and he can just find his place in the NBA and with the Lakers.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.
