Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James has appeared in 17 NBA game during his rookie season. LeBron James’ son has averaged just 1.4 points in those contests, but has flashed some real potential with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.

The Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night in perhaps the NBA’s most highly-anticipated game of the regular season. Facing his former team for the first time since being traded, superstar guard Luka Doncic tallied a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists.

Despite being active, Bronny James did not play in this contest, as his last NBA action came on Feb. 12 against the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9)

© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

James had an NBA career-high nine points in his last contest, and has since built on it with strong G League showings. On Wednesday, the Lakers announced James is heading back to South Bay.

Ruled out on the injury report for Thursday’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James will instead be preparing for South Bay’s game against the Salt Lake City Stars on Friday.

James had made 13 appearances at the G League level, and owns averages of 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The 6-foot-2 guard has improved his shooting percentage to 41.4% in his contests with South Bay, a large step up from the 25.0% he shoots at the NBA level.

The 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft out of USC, James is finding his way as a professional basketball player. For now, he will remain in the G League while the Lakers host Minnesota.