The Los Angeles Lakers assigned third-year guard Bronny James to their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, on Thursday, even as the team owns a 7-2 start.
The 22-year-old has played sparingly for Los Angeles, averaging just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points over five appearances. The Lakers have joined the Portland Trail Blazers (6-1) and Houston Rockets (7-2) atop the Western Conference standings early in the season.
James has played far more effectively in the developmental league. Over 25 games the past two seasons with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting, including 41.3% from three-point range, along with 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. The franchise was rebranded and relocated this season, and it now plays its home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert rather than at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo.
Coachella Valley Opens Season at Home
Coachella Valley begins its season Friday at home against the Salt Lake City Stars. The affiliate also has a new head coach. Alex Cerda was named successor to Zack Guthrie, who joined coach JJ Redick’s staff with the Lakers.
Los Angeles rookie Cameron Carr was also assigned to Coachella Valley on Thursday.