The Los Angeles Lakers started Bronny James against the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday night, but only played seven minutes before garbage time. The 21-year-old was on the floor to start each half, but was quickly pulled for Dalton Knecht. Bronny missed his only two shots and failed to produce any other stats. Still, he never got a serious opportunity, despite being chosen to start.
How do the Lakers expect Bronny to improve if he doesn’t get consistent minutes? He has struggled to [start his second NBA season](https://lakeshowlife.com/los-angeles-lakers-theres-only-1-way-fans-should-feel-bronny-james-10-games), but young players need playing time. Injuries have given him chances in nine games. It is a start, but James is averaging just 12.1 minutes per contest. He has topped nine minutes in just four games and most of those have featured a lot of garbage time run.
The Lakers keep [signing free agent guards](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-new-addition-biggest-threat-bronny-james) for their G League roster. They clearly feel a need there. If Bronny can’t get consistent minutes in Los Angeles, the Lakers should prioritize his development and give him significant minutes in the developmental league. That is the only way he will reach his ceiling.
Lakers must find more playing time for Bronny James immediately
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Bronny keeps getting chances, but he is failing the tests. The youngster can’t expect on-ball reps playing behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. His father is nearing a return to take even more usage. Bronny needs to make open shots and be a second-side creator when on the floor. He is just two of ten from 3-point range and is struggling on defense. His deficiencies make it difficult for coach Redick to get him in the game before the contest is decided.
The Lakers should send him to South Bay and let him play 35 minutes a night in the G League for a while. Those developmental reps are massive as the 21-year-old looks to round out his game. They could play him as a secondary or tertiary creator to help him become more comfortable in the role he is expected to play in LA when given the opportunity.
The Lakers want Bronny to succeed and become a rotation player. He is not there, which is why they need to foster his development. Sitting on the bench isn’t doing it. Bronny has played in two of the last four, but has only earned 17 total minutes. Half of that was in the blowout loss to the Thunder, where the game had long been decided.
Injuries are forcing the Lakers' hand. They had three rotation players out against the Bucks. Everyone knew this was just a spot start for Bronny, but fans certainly wanted to see more from the youngster. James will likely be a DNP-CD when Smart returns, which is only more reason to send him to the G League.
The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a fast start and want to be a title contender. Bronny James should not be part of their nightly rotation, but the franchise should also try to maximize his development. That means finding him significant minutes with South Bay and helping him thrive in the role they need. It is not happening, and the whole situation is bordering on ridiculous so far.