Lakers Assign Bronny James, Others to G League Before Wizards Game

The roster moves come after a win over the Nets as the Lakers prepare to face the Wizards.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with the players and ball broken down into overlapping angular shapes in the Lakers' purple and gold colors.The Lakers' roster moves ahead of their game against the Wizards reflect the team's commitment to developing young talent like Bronny James through a multi-faceted approach.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned several players, including Bronny James, to their G League affiliate South Bay Lakers ahead of their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards. The moves come after the Lakers' 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, in which Bronny James played 4 minutes and scored 3 points.

Why it matters

Bronny James, the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, is in his second NBA season and the roster moves indicate the team wants him to get more playing time and development in the G League. Assigning young players to the G League is a common practice for NBA teams to help them improve their skills.

The details

According to Lakers reporter Ryan Ward, the Lakers have assigned guards Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James, and Dalton Knecht to their G League affiliate South Bay Lakers. Bronny James is currently averaging 2.1 points and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 40.6% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range in 34 games this season.

  • The Lakers announced the roster moves on Friday night after their win over the Nets.
  • Bronny James and the other players will join the South Bay Lakers ahead of the Lakers' game against the Wizards on Sunday.

The players

Bronny James

The son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, Bronny James is in his second NBA season and is currently averaging 2.1 points and 1.1 assists per game for the Lakers.

Kobe Bufkin

A guard for the Lakers who has been assigned to the G League South Bay Lakers along with Bronny James.

Dalton Knecht

A guard for the Lakers who has been assigned to the G League South Bay Lakers along with Bronny James.

LeBron James

The Lakers superstar and father of Bronny James.

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What they’re saying

“The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guards Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James Jr. and Dalton Knecht to the South Bay Lakers.”

— Ryan Ward, Lakers Reporter

What’s next

Bronny James and the other assigned players will join the South Bay Lakers ahead of the Lakers' game against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Lakers' decision to assign young players like Bronny James to their G League affiliate is a common practice in the NBA to help develop talent and provide more playing time for promising prospects. This move indicates the team wants Bronny to continue improving his skills and get more game experience.