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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first home game of the season on Thursday evening, losing to the Orlando Magic by a score of 119-118. Los Angeles had a two-point lead with only a few seconds left to play but star Anthony Davis missed two free throws, opening the door for Orlando.
Magic forward Franz Wagner hit a step-back 3-point shot to bury the Lakers, sending their fans home with the loss. Los Angeles now holds a record of 10-5 on the season and will be looking ahead to their matchup with the Denver Nuggets this weekend.
But eyes were on whether rookie guard Bronny James would enter this game. Like always, Bronny took some spotlight from the game due to the popularity that he has gained in short order.
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However, James did not play in this game. The rookie was listed as doubtful entering the game due to a left heel issue.
The guard hasn't played for the Lakers in a few games but has gotten game action in the G League. James has been splitting time between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers as he tries to develop his game even more.
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The Lakers have had James only playing home games in the G League, a move that people around the game have widely criticized. Many have pointed to the fact that James hasn't earned this preferential treatment but due to him being the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Los Angeles is keeping this decision.
It's unclear why the Lakers have decided to go this route but one reason could be safety. Bronny has much more eyes on him than the other G League players and it could cause some potential issues.
ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes that the choice of the Lakers to sit him for non-home G League games simply hinders his overall development.
"He's not a roster player, so their plans for him are not to be a roster player, not to be a rotational player unless he earns that, and the way he's going to earn that is not by playing garbage minutes; he's going to earn that, in my opinion, by going and playing in the G League," Windhorst concluded.
The Lakers believe that Bronny can become an impactful player down the line at the NBA level. But for now, he isn't ready and will need to prove himself in the G League on a consistent basis to get more minutes with Los Angeles.
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