Bronny James to G League Coachella Valley Lakers for 2026-27
The guard will join the Coachella Valley Lakers for their upcoming game against the Salt Lake City Stars.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James has been assigned to the G League's Coachella Valley Lakers. The move places the 22-year-old on the development roster for the remainder of the 2026-27 season. His contract, valued at nearly $2.3 million, remains fully guaranteed through the end of the year.
James has played in five games for the Lakers this season. In that limited sample, he averaged 0.8 points and 0.2 blocks per game. His field goal percentage stood at 66.7%. The assignment follows a recent performance where the bench unit struggled to hold onto a lead.
During a game against the Sacramento Kings, Lakers head coach JJ Redick removed his starters with two minutes remaining. The reserves allowed the opposing team to cut a 15-point deficit. Redick subsequently returned the starting lineup to the floor to secure the win. "I won't make that mistake again. I'll leave the guys in. You gotta play to the final buzzer, and if guys are not ready to play, then I just won't put them in," Redick said after the contest.
The assignment aligns with James' statistical history in the G League. According to ESPN, he has averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in previous G League stints. This production level contrasts sharply with his current NBA output. The 22-year-old is in his third year in the league.
The Coachella Valley Lakers, formerly the South Bay Lakers, play their home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. The team was rebranded before the start of the current season. On Thursday, it was announced that Will Iger, son of Disney chairman Bob Iger, will serve as a play-by-play announcer for the affiliate.
The move for James follows a recent transaction involving the Lakers' roster. Dalton Knecht was waived by the team recently. Knecht made his debut for the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. In 16 minutes of playing time, he recorded 10 points, one assist, and one block.
The Coachella Valley Lakers are scheduled to host the Salt Lake City Stars at Acrisure Arena on Friday night. James is expected to be available for the game as part of the G League roster.
