![\"Lakers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2260978323-e1772279018616.jpg\")
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Lakers’ Bronny James during a game against the Dallas Mavericks in February 2026<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are once again battling inconsistency at the NBA level, with a current three-game losing streak tightening an already congested Western Conference playoff race.<\/p>\n Despite those struggles, the organization has continued<\/a> to lean heavily on its G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, using the platform to provide meaningful minutes to fringe roster players and developing prospects.<\/p>\n Two-way trio Drew Timme<\/a>, Nick Smith<\/a> Jr., and Chris Manon<\/a> have all featured prominently<\/a> in recent outings, alongside NBA assignees Adou Thiero<\/a> and Bronny James<\/a>.<\/p>\n James, in particular, has taken on a consistent role, appearing in South Bay\u2019s last four games across a six-day span.<\/p>\n All indications suggest that trend will continue, as the Lakers appear increasingly committed to accelerating the sophomore guard\u2019s development through extended G League action.<\/p>\n Lakers Continue Bronny James G League Development Plan<\/p>\n Ahead of Saturday\u2019s matchup against the Golden State Warriors<\/a>, Rui Hachimura<\/a> emerged as the most notable name on the Lakers\u2019 latest injury report<\/a>.<\/p>\n The forward has been listed as doubtful due to illness and is expected to miss his second consecutive game<\/a> during a critical stretch of the season.<\/p>\n Further down the injury report, Bronny James and Adou Thiero were also listed, though their designations reflect ongoing G League assignments<\/a> rather than injury concerns.<\/p>\n Thiero has appeared in one game during each of South Bay\u2019s recent back-to-back sets against the Texas Legends and Valley Suns<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Lakers appear to be carefully managing his workload following knee surgery that delayed the start of his season and a long-term MCL sprain that sidelined him throughout January.<\/p>\n James\u2019 continued presence in the G League, however, carries broader significance.<\/p>\n With limited NBA<\/a> minutes available in a crowded rotation, there has been growing external calls for the Lakers to prioritize his development through consistent G League action.<\/p>\n Recent decisions<\/a> suggest the organization is now fully embracing that approach, providing him with the extended runway needed to refine his game.<\/p>\n Bronny James Showing Measurable Progress With South Bay<\/p>\n Through 14 games with the Lakers\u2019 G League affiliate this season, James is averaging<\/a> 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting an efficient 47.4% from the field and 30.6% from three-point range.<\/p>\n His production has taken a noticeable step forward in recent weeks. Across eight regular season contests, he has increased his scoring average to 15.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.5% from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n His latest appearance<\/a> came Thursday against the Valley Suns, where he finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist on 5-of-10 shooting in 23 minutes.<\/p>\n The Lakers guard also continued to flash defensive growth, recording two steals as South Bay secured a commanding 129-98 victory.<\/p>\n That performance came just days after his most impressive outing<\/a> of the season, when he delivered a season-high<\/a> 21 points against the same Suns team.<\/p>\n In that game, James shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the field, added three rebounds and two assists, and recorded a season-best four steals, showcasing his expanding two-way impact.<\/p>\n South Bay\u2019s success with James in the lineup has been notable. The team holds an 11-3 record in games he has appeared in this season, highlighting his growing influence on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n His defensive focus<\/a>, in particular, has emerged as a defining aspect of his development as he works towards earning more consistent NBA opportunities.<\/p>\n James has now appeared in 32 career G League games, including 18 during as a rookie and 14 so far this season.<\/p>\n With the Lakers clearly prioritizing his long-term growth, that total is expected to rise significantly in the coming months as the organization prepares for a pivotal offseason<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMatt Evans<\/a> is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Lakers\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t