Sports
Lakers assign Bronny James to Coachella Valley for G League minutes
The Lakers assigned Bronny James to Coachella Valley on Thursday as the third-year guard seeks more minutes after a light role in Los Angeles' 7-2 start.
Bronny James is headed to the desert for more run.
The Los Angeles Lakers assigned the 22-year-old guard to their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, on Thursday. The move comes after a light role in the Lakers' 7-2 start.
James has averaged just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points in five appearances for Los Angeles, which sits atop the Western Conference alongside the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets.
A bigger stage in Palm Desert
The third-year guard has been far more productive in the developmental league. Over the past two seasons with the South Bay Lakers he averaged 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting, including 41.3% from 3, plus 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 25 games.
South Bay was rebranded and relocated this season. Coachella Valley now plays home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert rather than at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo.
The affiliate also has a new coach. Alex Cerda succeeded Zack Guthrie after Guthrie joined JJ Redick's staff with the big club.
Opening night is Friday
Coachella Valley opens its season Friday at home against the Salt Lake City Stars. Lakers rookie Cameron Carr was assigned to Coachella Valley on Thursday as well.
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