The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a big Sunday win over the Utah Jazz, improving to 12-4 on the season and extending their winning streak to four games heading into Tuesday night's showdown with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The team's injury report is mostly clear, aside from center Deandre Ayton, who has already been ruled out after suffering a knee contusion in the first half against the Jazz.
In a corresponding move, the Lakers announced hours before the game that they have recalled Bronny James and rookie Adou Thiero from their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
This was largely the story of James' rookie season with the Lakers last year after being drafted No. 55 overall out of USC.
It often felt like a never-ending cycle of being sent down and called back up, but that's the reality for a young player still developing on a team contending for an NBA championship. There isn't always a guaranteed spot in the rotation, and getting meaningful reps is key-a challenge both James and Thiero are embracing in the G League.
Bronny James has seen significantly more action with the Lakers' main roster this season compared to last year, but with Gabe Vincent back in the rotation and his father, LeBron James, healthy, Bronny is pushed further down the depth chart.
In two G League games so far this season, James is averaging 11.0 points, 8.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, while shooting 38.1% from the field and 23.1% from three-point range. His biggest challenge this season has been maintaining offensive efficiency.
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