LeBron connects with Bronny for first father-son assist in NBA playoffs history (0:27)

Dave McMenamin Nov 5, 2026, 03:36 PM ET

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Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.

Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.

The Los Angeles Lakers have used Bronny James sparingly during their 7-2 start and on Thursday assigned him to their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers.

The 22-year-old third-year guard has averaged just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points per game in five appearances for the Lakers, who have joined the Portland Trail Blazers (6-1) and Houston Rockets (7-2) atop the Western Conference standings in the early going.

James has performed better in the developmental G League, averaging 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting (including 41.3% from 3), 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 25 games the past two seasons for the South Bay Lakers, who were rebranded and relocated this season.…