Key Highlights
- Bronny James will make his first start of the season for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
- This marks just the second start of James’ career and comes amid a significant uptick in his minutes this season.
- The 2024 second-round pick from USC has averaged 2.3 points in his first eight outings, all off the bench.
- James is also LeBron James’ son and has held his own defensively despite low scoring averages.
New Start for Bronny James as Lakers Face Injuries
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to welcome a significant change in their lineup this Saturday when they face the Milwaukee Bucks. Second-year guard Bronny James will make his first start of the season, marking just the second time he has started a game for the team. This decision comes amidst a challenging period for the Lakers as several key players are sidelined due to injuries.
Injuries Plague Lakers Lineup
The Los Angeles Lakers have been hit hard by injuries this season, with star players such as LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent all missing games. This has left multiple starting spots open in the lineup, leading to opportunities for younger or lesser-used players like Bronny James.
James’ Performance in Recent Games
Bronny James, who was selected as a 2024 second-round pick from USC and is also LeBron James’ son, has shown promise during his limited minutes this season. Despite averaging only 2.3 points per game over his first eight outings off the bench, he has demonstrated defensive prowess. In a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, Bronny scored 9 points on 4-of-6 shooting but missed all four of his shot attempts in another contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Historical Context and Future Implications
In the Lakers’ regular-season finale last season, Bronny James made his first career start against the Portland Trail Blazers. He managed 4 points on 2-of-10 shooting, with six assists and four steals in a 38-minute stint. His recent rise to a starting role highlights the challenges and opportunities facing young players in the NBA.
As Bronny James steps into his first career start, fans will be watching closely to see how he performs against the Milwaukee Bucks. This game not only serves as an important match for the Lakers but also provides a platform for James to showcase his skills and potentially secure more starting time in the future.
