NBA insider breaks down how Bronny James’ income remains secure despite Lakers rookie's G-League move

The LA Lakers are expected to assign Bronny James to the G-League this season, hoping it will help him improve his on-court game. On Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania said that James will be part of the Lakers roster before the G-League season starts on Nov. 7.

Unlike most players assigned to the G-League, however, James' current deal with the Lakers will still guarantee money. The rookie guard signed a four-year, $7.8 million contract, with a team option on the final year.

Charania detailed that the Lakers are scheduled to have a five-game road trip. This comes after their games against the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings on Friday and Saturday respectively. Their road trip will end on Nov. 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies. It's the right time for James to transition into the G-League.

"After that, I am told he will begin his shuttle from the NBA to the G-League," Charania said on 'NBA on ESPN'. "He will be assigned to South Bay that week on Nov. 7, when the G-League season starts. For him and Rich Paul, the big aspect of Bronny James throughout the pre-draft process was his development and he was not afraid. They've welcomed going to the G-League.

"That was a part of it. The big question was, was it going to be a two-way contract or a guaranteed deal? He gets that four-year contract, three of those years, guaranteed. I've done some digging on his marketing ... He could make more money off his off-court deals in marketing and just be an influencer. But he wants to be an NBA player, and this G-League path is a part of that."

The Lakers have not shared the length of James' stay in the G-League.

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The Lakers want to prioritize the player development of Bronny James

Bronny James isn't expected to play much in the Lakers' upcoming games leading to the start of the G-League season. However, being with the team early in the season could allow the youngster to learn a thing or two. According to coach JJ Redick, he wants to work on the development of James on the court.

"For us, prioritizing player development, we view Bronny as like, case study one, because his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing, there's a lot to like about his game," Redick said in July. "And as we sort of build out our player development program holistically, he's going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player."

Although there are still seven games before he joins the G-League, the Lakers haven't confirmed if he'll join the others on the court.

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