Brony James gives up fair credit on a G League assignment
LOS ANGELES – After a solid run at backup quarterback and his first career startthe Los Angeles Lakers made a decision on the award Bronnie James that the G League with the South Bay. James is no stranger to the G League as he spent a good portion of his rookie season in the South Bay.
James’ early stint in the Lakers’ rotation earned him praise from head coach JJ Reddick for his defensive intensity, particularly his on-ball pressure.
When deployed in the South Bay, he has the ball in his hands more often, as a facilitator and can pick and choose his spots in terms of scoring. While it wasn’t entirely clear if he would be assigned to the South Bay this year, especially after his early season performance, the Lakers ultimately decided that additional G League reps would be good for Bronie James.
And for him, it’s just another opportunity to keep working and getting better.
“The league is meant to develop players. So I come here with an open mind. I don’t come here with a negative mindset like I’m relegated,” James said after South Bay’s win on Friday. “I’m just going down and trying to get better every game and every play. I can use that here, so keep working.”
While Gabe Vincent was sidelined with an ankle injury, James filled in Vincent as a kind of mirror in rotation. Vincent has since returned to the Lakers’ lineup, returning James to a situational player position.
But whether James plays or not, whether he’s with the Lakers or in the South Bay, he has a strong mentor in Vincent who he’s used as a resource since last season.
“It’s amazing. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and he’s also a guy who does everything to win. I go to him at practice and ask him questions all the time,” James said. “He’s kind of a mentor to me, especially with the roles we both play. He’s been an incredible role model for me and I’ll continue to use him.”
James finished his first game with South Bay this season with 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block in just over 31 minutes. He shot 5 of 10 from the field, 2 of 5 from the 3-point line and 2 of 3 from the free throw line.
2025-11-24 02:20:00
