Is Bronny James playing tonight vs Heat? Latest on Lakers rookie's status (July 10)
The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat face off in the California Classic and fans will be hoping to get a glimpse of Bronny James in action. Bronny will suit up and is set to feature in Wednesday's matchup.
The Lakers newest addition, and the son of four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, missed the team's previous game against the Golden State Warriors due to swelling in his left knee. There was speculation the Lakers could leave Bronny on the bench as a precautionary measure, but the 19-year-old looks ready to go.
Earlier this week, Lakers beat reporter Mike Truddell posted a message on his X account (formerly known as Twitter) stating Bronny was slated to play against the Heat.
Truddle followed that up with another post with a quote from coach Dane Johnson on Bronny's status:
"Coach Dane Johnson after the game, re: Bronny: "Taking it day-by-day, just being precautionary about it. The plan is for him to play (Wednesday)."
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The move will unite Bronny with his father, LeBron and the two are expected to become the first father-son duo to play on the same team in NBA history.
After being drafted, Bronny agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million deal. That was followed by LeBron James agreeing to return on a two-year, $104 million deal, which was later revised to $101.35 million.
This will be the third game of the Summer League for the Lakers. The team lost their opening game to the Sacramento Kings, 108-94 and was outplayed in their second encounter against the Golden State Warriors, 92-68.
Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco and tip off at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Bronny James's shaky start against the Sacramento Kings
Bronny James had an underwhelming start to the Summer League, with the guard failing to make an impact in his debut against the Sacramento Kings. He finished the night with four points, two rebounds and two assists while shooting 2-9 from the field.
After averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists during his freshman season with the USC Trojans, critics are still skeptical whether Bronny can succeed at the NBA level.
Bronny James may have had a shaky start to his professional career, but the minutes he is getting in the Summer League will be valuable in his development.