Bronny James Shines in South Bay G League Debut

Merlin sees Bronny James opened the 2025-26 G League season with South Bay, pouring in 15 points (5‑of‑10, 2‑of‑5 3PT) with a team‑high eight assists, four rebounds and three steals in a 115‑95 win over Santa Cruz. The performance matters because he was just reassigned after limited NBA minutes (2.1 PPG in 11.1 MPG) — this is a clear audition to regain rhythm and push for more playing time with the Lakers. Merlin notes the lines echo last year’s South Bay form (21.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.3 APG) and that his playmaking and defense stood out in a 33‑16 third quarter that closed the game. With a crowded Lakers backcourt and rookie Adou Thiero also making noise, Bronny needs consistent, high‑level showings in the G League to force a real look in L.A.