The Los Angeles Lakers have used Bronny James sparingly during their 7-2 start and on Thursday assigned him to their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers.
The 22-year-old third-year guard has averaged just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points per game in five appearances for the Lakers, who have joined the Portland Trail Blazers (6-1) and Houston Rockets (7-2) atop the Western Conference standings in the early going.
James has performed better in the developmental G League, averaging 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting (including 41.3% from 3), 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 25 games the last two seasons for the South Bay Lakers, who were rebranded and relocated this season. The team plays its home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, rather than at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo.
Coachella Valley opens its season Friday at home against the Salt Lake City Stars. Beyond a new home arena, the Lakers' G League affiliate also has a new coach. Alex Cerda was named as the successor to Zack Guthrie after Guthrie joined coach JJ Redick's staff with the Lakers.
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr also was assigned to Coachella Valley on Thursday.