Bronny James to split time between Lakers, G League
Fri Oct 25 4:18pm ET
Field Level Media
Bronny James will continue sharing the court with his legendary father on the Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming road trip before switching to a shuttle between the active roster and the Lakers' South Bay G League affiliate, ESPN reported Friday.
Bronny James made history with his father, LeBron James, in Tuesday's season-opening win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when the pair became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.
After home games on Friday and Saturday, the Lakers hit the road for the following five games, starting Oct. 28 against the host Phoenix Suns and ending Nov. 6 in Memphis, with stops in Cleveland, Toronto and Detroit along the way.
Wednesday's matchup against the Cavaliers is expected to be a highlight of the trip, serving as a homecoming of sorts for the pair. A native of Akron, Ohio, LeBron was drafted by Cleveland with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and spent the first seven years of his career there, before later adding another four seasons in Cleveland. Bronny was born in October of 2004, as his father was preparing for his second season in Cleveland.
Both LeBron and Lakers coach J.J. Redick anticipated that Bronny would spend time honing his skills in the G League.
"Just (looking forward to) seeing him continue to grow as a basketball player no matter if it's here with us or if it's down with the G League team and him continuing to get better and better and better," LeBron said at media day in September. "His job is to put the work in and get better and better, just like the rest of us. And we want to hold him accountable, and he's going to hold us accountable. And if we all do that, we all get better, because we're all one team. We're a reflection of South Bay; South Bay is a reflection of us."
First-year coach Redick has expressed a desire to establish an elite player development program utilizing the G League.
"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, per ESPN. "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."
Bronny James didn't score in three minutes of play in the season-opening win over the Timberwolves, after playing in six preseason games, averaging 16.2 minutes and 4.2 points per game.
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Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (personal) did not practice on Friday, and it's unclear if he will play on Saturday versus Charlotte. According to Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, It's not decided whether Love will travel with the team to Charlotte for the game. Love already sat out Wednesday's season opener against Orlando for personal reasons. It's been confirmed that Kel'el Ware (illness) will not be with the team, meaning Thomas Bryant and Nikola Jovic will be the only backup options behind starting center Bam Adebayo, should Love be unavailable. Matchups against the Hornets are typically good spots for centers. Houston's big man Alperen Sengun posted a huge line against them Wednesday night.
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Charlotte. He missed Friday's practice and will not travel to the game due to a stomach illness. Ware, the 15th pick of this year's draft, saw six minutes of action in his NBA debut on Wednesday versus Orlando. He went scoreless with one rebound. The 20-year-old played very well in the Summer League, but it looks like it will take some time until he carves out a consistent role for himself on the team. Ware's absence opens up additional playing time for Thomas Bryant, who contributed seven points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block in 16 minutes versus the Magic.
Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (heel) practiced on Friday. He was able to put some work in after sitting out Wednesday's season opener against Orlando. With him back in practice, it shouldn't take long until Richardson returns to the lineup. The team is scheduled to face Charlotte in its next game on Saturday. Richardson is a versatile backcourt option for the Heat, although he tends to be very injury-prone. The 31-year-old made 43 appearances last term, averaging 9.9 points with 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He will be battling for backup guard minutes with Duncan Robinson and Alec Burks once he's ready to play.
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (glute) is set to miss at least a week of action. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Miller will be re-evaluated in one week after sustaining a left glute strain. The 21-year-old was hurt in Wednesday's season opener against Houston. Tre Mann and Seth Curry will have additional fantasy value during Miller's absence, with the former likely moving to the first unit. Mann put up 11.9 points with 4.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 28 starts last year. However, it must be noted that Mann's productive run came when LaMelo Ball was out of the lineup.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (knee) has received the green light to play in Friday's game against Utah. Following a good all-around effort in Wednesday's season opener against Portland, Green landed on the injury report ahead of Friday with a left knee contusion. However, the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Green had eight points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in just 20 minutes in Wednesday's blowout win. He should contribute even more on Friday night against the Jazz, as a competitive game is expected in Salt Lake City.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (hip) will play in Friday's matchup versus Utah. The Warriors have upgraded Curry from questionable to available. The veteran star is battling a hip issue early in the season. Curry opened Year 16 in the Association with a double-double on Wednesday against Portland, scoring 17 points and dishing out 10 assists. He was one rebound short of a triple-double in a blowout win. Fantasy managers should get a lot of value out of Curry again Friday night.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (chest) makes an appearance on the official injury report on Friday. He's listed as questionable while dealing with a chest contusion on his right side. The two-way combo guard played 19 minutes off of the bench in their season opener on Wednesday and delivered 11 points, four assists, two rebounds, three steals, and one turnover. That game turned into a blowout though, so the rotation could be a bit different if the game doesn't get out of hand. If Melton can't suit up at all, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II could see some more minutes.
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (knee, calf) won't return to the floor just yet after being ruled out for the Friday night game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The veteran big man hasn't played since January 2023 since he's been recovering from his knee injury. Unfortunately, he also suffered a calf strain, but he was seen doing some work on the side at practice. While he sits this one out, Jock Landale should continue to back up Alperen Sengun while Tari Eason gets some more opportunities off of the bench as well.
Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Khris Middleton (ankle) will miss another game as he still recovers from surgery in the offseason. The veteran hasn't been cleared for full participation in practice yet and the team said they were cautiously getting him ready to play, therefore he's officially been ruled out on Friday. While his timetable to return remains unclear, fantasy managers can continue to go to their backup plan. Gary Trent Jr. (calf) is also questionable, so if he doesn't play as well, look for Pat Connaughton and Delon Wright to receive a lot more opportunities against the Chicago Bulls.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (calf) was added to the 11:30 AM injury report ahead of their Friday night tip-off against the Chicago Bulls. He's listed with a right calf strain right now, so his status is worth monitoring with Khris Middleton (ankle) still sidelined. Trent played 34 minutes in the team's opening game but didn't contribute much outside of his 11 points. If Trent is unable to get on the court, Pat Connaughton or Delon Wright will likely step into the starting spot while AJ Green or Andre Jackson Jr. may get some more opportunities off of the bench.
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (quad) is dealing with a quad contusion but it doesn't seem to be severe enough to cause him to miss some time. Lopez is listed as probable for the Friday night matchup with the Chicago Bulls on the official injury report. The big man delivered a quality all-around game outside of low efficiency on Wednesday when he registered 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. He shoots almost 50% from the floor throughout his career so he should return to that norm against the Bulls.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (hip) suffered a bruised left hip during the team's season opener against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said, "He'll be questionable tonight just to see where he is as we go into the game." Isaac has a long history of injuries, so the team seems to be careful any time he doesn't feel fully ready to go. He plays a big part in the team's defense off of the bench, but if he can't suit up there could be some more minutes spread around to Tristan Da Silva and Franz Wagner.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) suffered a fractured left hand in the team's season opener against the Chicago Bulls. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the star guard underwent a successful surgery on his hand and will now miss four-to-six weeks. Murray registered 30 minutes in the first game with his new team, but will now have to wait until the end of November or the beginning of December to play again. CJ McCollum will take on more opportunities with the starting five while Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado should see some more minutes until Trey Murphy III (hamstring) returns.
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (ankle) came away from their season opener against the Boston Celtics with an ankle injury. Head coach Brian Keefe said that it was a "mild" ankle sprain and they'll likely take it day by day with the rookie. Carrington finished his first game with three points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two turnovers while shooting 1-for-6 from the floor. Having to go up against the reigning NBA champs in his first game was a tough task, but the Wizards seem committed to getting their younger players playing time right now. If Carrington has to miss time, Corey Kispert and Kyshawn George should see more minutes.
Timberwolves' G Anthony Edwards scored 32 points on 10-of-24 shooting in a 117-115 win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 24. Edwards is owned in very few, if any leagues.
Timberwolves' F Julius Randle scored 33 points on 13-of-17 shooting in a 117-115 win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 24. Randle is owned in very few, if any leagues.
Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 87-102 loss to the Thunder on Thursday, Oct. 24. Jokic is owned in very few, if any leagues.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Utah. The veteran sustained a left knee contusion in Wednesday's blowout win over the Blazers. However, he still had a decent showing, amassing eight points, six boards, two blocks, and one steal. With Stephen Curry (hip) also questionable, the Warriors may need to rely on Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski to lead the way offensively. Kyle Anderson, who had two points, five boards, two steals, and a block versus Portland, could also work his way into the starting lineup if Green can't get on the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) is doubtful for Friday's meeting with the Houston Rockets. The 25-year-old continues to battle a hamstring strain. He wasn't available for the opener on Wednesday, although Santi Aldama filled the void admirably by finishing with 27 points off 10-for-16 shooting (5-for-10 from deep). Jackson is inching his way back to the floor. But until he returns, Aldama could continue to benefit offensively.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (hip) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. The veteran played 25 minutes in the blowout over the Blazers on Wednesday, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists, and two steals. But now he's in jeopardy of missing the second game on the Warriors' schedule. Golden State is banged up heading into Friday night, with Draymond Green (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (chest) also uncertain to suit up. But as far as Curry is concerned, Brandin Podziemski will likely take his spot in the lineup if he's ruled out. Podziemski averaged 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 28 starts last season, although he should be in most fantasy lineups even if Curry is available.