Bronny James. Image via: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Bronny James did not play in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 121-116 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, but the 22-year-old guard still got people talking. The Lakers improved to 9-2 behind Austin Reaves, who scored 43 points while superstar Luka Doncic sat out with lower back tightness. Video shows Lakers staffers holding him back as the heated exchange with a Pistons fan unfolded courtside at Little Caesars Arena. The fan was later ejected, the second removed from a Lakers game in three outings. What set off the argument is unclear.
James has appeared in five of the team’s 11 games and is averaging 0.8 points. Across the first two NBA seasons, James never averaged even 3.0 points, and the early numbers this season have handed hecklers more material. Head coach JJ Redick has not given the 22-year-old steady minutes. James finished with 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal in a 104-98 win over the Salt Lake City Stars. 19 to get down to 15 guaranteed contracts, which kept James on the roster. The Lakers visit the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Monday at 7 p.m.
The exchange came during a slow start for James. The season debut against the Warriors brought two points in just over six minutes. The next four appearances averaged under two minutes each. Los Angeles also waived Dalton Knecht on Oct. ET. Whether James plays or returns to the G League is not clear.
The Lakers sent James and rookie Cameron Carr to their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, on Friday before the team’s season opener.