In a startling development, the Los Angeles Lakers have announced that rookie phenom Bronny James is doubtful for their upcoming clash with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. The 20-year-old rising star, who has been making waves in both the NBA and G League, is reportedly suffering from a bruised left heel.
Injury Puts Damper on Promising Start
The news of Bronny’s injury comes as a surprise to many, as the young guard had been off to a promising start in his nascent NBA career. The Lakers, who had previously kept the injury under wraps, finally disclosed the setback when they included Bronny on their injury report Monday.
Since making his highly-anticipated debut earlier this month, Bronny has been suiting up for both the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. In his limited NBA action thus far, he has logged 16 total minutes across five games, scoring four points. However, it’s in the G League where Bronny has truly showcased his potential, playing extensive minutes in two games.
Struggling in South Bay
Despite the heightened expectations surrounding him, Bronny’s G League performances have been somewhat underwhelming. In South Bay’s loss to Stockton on Sunday night, the young guard struggled from the field, scoring just four points on a dismal 2-for-10 shooting while playing 25 minutes as a starter.
This subpar outing followed Bronny’s G League debut eight days earlier, where he managed to score six points. Notably, both of these games were attended by his superstar father LeBron James and mother Savannah, who watched from the stands at the Lakers’ training complex.
Making NBA History
Bronny and LeBron made NBA history last month by becoming the first father-son duo to play in the league simultaneously, and for the same team no less. However, the two have yet to share the court again since that momentous occasion, with Bronny’s NBA minutes mostly coming in garbage time of already decided games.
“It’s a dream come true for me and my family,” LeBron said of playing alongside Bronny. “To be on the same court as my son in the NBA, it’s something I could have never even dreamed about.”
LeBron James on the historic moment
Lakers Thriving, LeBron Dominating
While Bronny’s injury is certainly a disappointment, it has done little to slow down the Lakers’ impressive start to the season. The team has rattled off five straight wins en route to a 9-4 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark at home. Much of this success can be attributed to the ageless wonder that is LeBron James.
Now in his record-tying 22nd NBA season, LeBron has been nothing short of spectacular. The 38-year-old recently strung together four consecutive triple-doubles before the streak was snapped in the Lakers’ win over New Orleans last Saturday. Even in Year 22, it’s clear that LeBron remains the driving force behind the Lakers’ success.
Injury Bug Biting Lakers
Unfortunately for the Lakers, Bronny isn’t the only player dealing with an injury. Starting forward Rui Hachimura is also expected to miss Tuesday’s game against the Jazz due to an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the past two contests.
“Rui is making a lot of progress,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said Monday. “We’re hopeful he can return to practice sometime this week during our homestand.”
Coach JJ Redick on Rui Hachimura’s status
Despite the injuries, the Lakers remain one of the early favorites to come out of the Western Conference thanks in large part to LeBron’s timeless brilliance. As for Bronny, the young guard will look to heal up and continue his development, with the hopes of one day becoming a key contributor alongside his legendary father.
The Lakers’ faithful wait with bated breath to see the James duo take the court together once more. Until then, all eyes will be on LeBron as he continues to defy Father Time and cement his already ironclad legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
