Bronny James’ feel-good moment with LeBron may be his last meaningful minutes for some time.
The orchestrated decision to have the father and son duo appear on the court together in a regular-season game led to three minutes of game action together and bothered some in the media who labeled it “a complete sideshow and disrespectful to game.”
Bronny appeared in the first half and missed both shot attempts as the Lakers were outscored by five points.
Bronny James (right) and LeBron talk to Taylor Rooks after the Lakers’ win over the Timberwolves on Oct. 22, 2024.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The 20-year-old did not appear again in the Lakers’ 110-103 win over the Timberwolves.
It is unlikely the second-round pick will be a part of the Lakers’ regular rotation going forward as the veteran team competes for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The younger James is considered a long-term investment after he had one mediocre season at USC that followed a cardiac arrest incident during a preseason practice.
“My days aren’t normal anymore. I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was,” Bronny told Men’s Health before the season.
The question becomes what the Lakers now think is best for Bronny’s future — with LeBron likely having a significant say in the matter.
Bronny, who had up-and-down runs during Summer League and the preseason, could play sparingly in garbage time with the Lakers or see significant minutes in the G-League, which begins next month.
Bronny James (right) and LeBron check into the game together.AP
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who has covered LeBron since he played in high school, provided his insight on the Lakers’ thinking on Wednesday morning.
“As father, you’re going to feel a certain way about your son being with you,” Windhorst said on “Get Up.”
“What the Lakers are doing here, is trying to get the most out of LeBron. This is an investment, not just in history, but engaging and energizing your franchise player at age 39. And I think it’s working. LeBron is completely engaged and energized, and I think JJ Reddick is making a very smart move, totally leaning into this, totally embracing this, setting this up and making it happen.
LeBron James sets a screen for Bronny.AP
“It’s not going to define this season, not even sure it’s going to define this week for the Lakers. But it’s going to be so important for his franchise player.”
The Lakers play host to the Suns on Friday as they look for a 2-0 start to the season.
