The Los Angeles Lakers head into Wednesday’s matchup towards the Indiana Pacers seeking to reply after their loss to the Detroit Pistons, which snapped a nine-game successful streak. During that stretch, Los Angeles had emerged as one of many hottest groups within the league, with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves main a balanced offensive surge whereas the protection confirmed marked enchancment.
That run, nonetheless, has not translated to alternatives for each participant on the roster as second-year guard Bronny James continues to seek for constant minutes since getting into the league. Drafted within the second spherical in 2024 after one season at USC, James struggled to crack the Lakers’ rotation throughout his rookie yr, splitting time between the NBA and the G League.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9).Candice Ward-Imagn Images
(Candice Ward-Imagn Images)
That development has carried into his 2025-26 marketing campaign. Through 32 NBA video games, James has once more discovered himself on the fringes of the rotation. He averaging 2.1 factors, 0.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in simply seven minutes per recreation and continues to juggle assignments between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, South Bay.
Despite being energetic through the staff’s current street stretch, James has but to see significant minutes and has not performed in seven straight video games.
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However, that would change on Wednesday. The Lakers launched their harm report forward of the sport, with Rui Hachimura (proper calf soreness), Marcus Smart (proper ankle contusion), and Adou Thiero (left knee soreness) dominated out. Starting middle Deandre Ayton was additionally added to the report as questionable with again soreness.
With a shortened rotation and a positive matchup towards a Pacers staff with the league’s worst report, head coach JJ Redick might be compelled to discover deeper choices on the bench and this state of affairs opens the door for James to lastly see some motion on the courtroom.
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When given alternatives this season, he has proven flashes. James recorded a season-high 12 factors in 25 minutes towards the San Antonio Spurs in February. He additionally delivered a career-high 17 factors in half-hour towards the Milwaukee Bucks throughout his rookie season.
The Lakers (46-26) hope to safe one other necessary win on the street as they inch nearer to securing the third seed within the Western Conference.
Related: NBA Facing Accusation Amid Lakers’ Loss to Pistons
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Mar 25, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
