Lakers’ Bronny James tabbed for second career start as injuries mount

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James will make his first start of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

This marks just the second start of James’ career, and it comes amid a significant uptick in his minutes this season. The 2024 second-round pick from USC, who is also LeBron James’ son, has held his own defensively in his minutes this season. But despite playing a career-high 12.1 minutes per game, he’s averaging only 2.3 points on 29.2 percent shooting.

James scored 9 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the Lakers’ 122-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks last week. He played eight minutes and missed all four of his shot attempts in Los Angeles’ 121-92 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

In the Lakers’ regular-season finale last season, James made the first start of his career against the Portland Trail Blazers. He posted 4 points on 2-of-10 shooting, six assists and four steals in 38 minutes.

The Lakers have suffered several key injuries this season, as LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent have missed games. LeBron James, Hachimura and Vincent were ruled out for Saturday’s contest, leaving multiple starting spots open.

Bronny James and forward Jake LaRavia replaced Hachimura and guard Marcus Smart in the lineup. The Lakers are fourth in the Western Conference with a 9-4 record.