• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Bronny James Won’t Play G League Road Games

The famous rookie won’t travel with the Lakers’ G League team, ESPN reported. G League players travel on commercial airlines.

Bronny James
Petre Thomas – Imagn Images

Lakers rookie Bronny James is grinding it out in the G League this fall. But he apparently isn’t dealing with one of the most difficult parts of life in the NBA’s developmental league: the grueling travel.

“From my understanding, he’s only going to play in the South Bay Lakers home games, that he’s only going to be a part-time G League player,” ESPN NBA writer Brian Windhorst said in an episode of The Hoop Collective published Wednesday. “He’s not getting on United Airlines and going to fly and go see these other teams, play in those road games.”

The Athletic confirmed Windhorst’s comments later Wednesday, reporting that James would only be available for the South Bay Lakers’ 24 home games this season.

The South Bay Lakers play in El Segundo at the Los Angeles Lakers’ training facility. Bronny James recorded six points, five turnovers, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block in 31 minutes in the only South Bay Lakers game this season, which was at home. The South Bay Lakers are scheduled to travel to Santa Cruz and Stockton (both in Northern California) later this month, as well as a road game in Oceanside, Calif.

The rookie played a few minutes for the NBA team alongside his father in the Lakers opener, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game. He also played a few minutes, and received a standing ovation, when the Lakers went to Cleveland. In total, he’s seen the court for 16 minutes across six NBA games and scored four points.

ESPN reporter Kevin Pelton responded to Windhorst’s comments on the podcast by saying the arrangement wasn’t entirely unheard of.

“I think it’s not uncommon though for drafted players or players who are on two-way contracts to spend more time playing for their G League club at home, especially when it’s based, you know, not everyone has it where they literally play in the [NBA affiliate’s] practice facility, as is the case with the South Bay Lakers,” Pelton said. 

James signed a four-year, $7.9 million deal with the Lakers, with the first three seasons fully guaranteed after the team drafted him this summer. Agent Rich Paul made it clear he wanted his top client’s son on a full NBA contract, not a two-way deal.

One reason for the decision could be security. G League teams fly commercial, and sending someone as widely recognized as James through the airport could be a safety concern for the entire team, much less an extra business expense if the Lakers were to organize charter flights or private security. It’s why the WNBA, after sending Caitlin Clark on a commercial flight during the preseason, opted to institute league-wide charter flights shortly after videos of her in the airport emerged.

A representative for the South Bay Lakers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.

Ex-NBPA Chief on WNBA CBA Challenges, NBA Stake in League

Tamika Tremaglio was a consultant for the 2020 WNBA CBA.

Mikal Bridges Takes $6M Discount to Help Knicks Avoid Second Apron

Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension Thursday.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.

Luka Dončić Eligible to Sign $229M Extension Saturday

Dončić can sign a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Leo Messi
exclusive

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
McLaurin
August 1, 2025

Terry McLaurin Asks Out of Washington Amid Contract Standoff

McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year, $68 million contract. 
August 1, 2025

Micah Parsons Requests Trade From Cowboys As Contract Talks Stall

The defensive end has been seeking a new contract.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 29, 2025

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was cofounded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Jul 24, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Venus Williams (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Magdalena Frech (POL)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day four of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
July 29, 2025

Venus Williams Returns to U.S. Open Ahead of New Mixed Doubles Format

The number of doubles teams at the US Open has been cut to 16 from 32.
Joaquin Niemann
July 28, 2025

Scottie Scheffler’s Season Earnings Surpassed by LIV’s Niemann

Niemann has made $21.94 million on the golf course this year.
July 28, 2025

Inter Miami Owner Calls MLS Messi Suspension ‘Draconian’

Inter Miami’s owner and coach blast the league for penalizing the superstar.