Bronny James Faces Bucks in Crucial Lakers Start: Can He Rise Under Pressure?

In an unusual twist for the Lakers, the absence of LeBron James and several key players has paved the way for an unexpected starter: LeBron James Jr., aka Bronny James. This Saturday’s lineup against the Milwaukee Bucks features Bronny alongside familiar names like Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia. Marking only the second start of his NBA tenure—and his first this season—Bronny steps onto the floor not in a throwaway game, but one that genuinely counts for the Lakers.

Last season’s finale saw Bronny get his debut start in a largely inconsequential matchup, but today feels different. Despite modest stats—averaging 2.3 points and 1.9 assists off the bench and shooting under 30%—he’s thrust into the starting role due to a depleted roster, with the team missing his father, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura. It’s a scenario that’s as intriguing as it is challenging, spotlighting a young player navigating the crossroads of opportunity and expectation in the high-stakes world of pro hoops.

All eyes will be watching as the Lakers roll out a lineup shaped more by circumstance than design. It’s a testament to the unpredictability and drama that makes basketball so captivating. LEARN MORE

With LeBron James and other players still out, the Los Angeles Lakers will be starting LeBron James Jr.

Bronny James is in the starting lineup for L.A.’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, joining Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. It is the second start of the younger James’ NBA career and his first of the season.

James’ only other career start was in the Lakers’ regular-season finale last season, a game in which they had nothing to play for with the No. 3 seed in the West already sewn up. In his 38 minutes, James posted 4 points on 2-of-10 shooting, 6 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds and 3 turnovers in a 109-81 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

So this is basically the first time James has started a game that matters for the Lakers.

This season, Bronny has come off the bench eight times and posted 2.3 points and 1.9 assists in 12.1 minutes per game. He is shooting 29.2% from the field and 25% from 3-point range.

It’s not often you see players with those stats elevated to the starting lineup, but the Lakers are down James’ father as well as Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura, all of whom have started games this season.

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Smart and Hachimura both started the Lakers’ previous game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, but are out for the second leg of a back-to-back with an illness and calf injury, respectively.