Since early last month, Bronny James has spent time with the Lakers’ G-League team. It was a transition predicted well in advance. Yet, it turned out to be one that the 20-year-old seemed to need the most. While being one of the most active players on the South Bay Lakers, James has thrived averaging 13.4 points in the seven games he has played. The highlight came in his first road game. Bronny dropped a 30-piece, a defining performance that created optimism around his name once again.

However, what are his evaluations around the NBA circle? The assessments have surely improved. “You could tell in the two G League games in Orlando that James is more comfortable than what we saw last season at USC and in the summer,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted. With development in mind, the South Bay Lakers did experiment with the 6’2″ guard. Notably, they deployed him as a point guard in the last few games.

Marks did see a few positive flashes of playmaking. But in terms of decision-making, it seems James is still lacking. “The Lakers made it a priority to play James more at point guard and less off the ball, and the results were mixed. The good from James includes the 12 assists in the two games, including five during a three-minute stretch. The bad? How about 12 turnovers” Marks mentioned in his report.

In seven games, Bronny James is averaging a healthy 3.4 assists per game. However, that comes accompanied by 3 turnovers too. The ratio isn’t uplifting, but there could be a learning curve the Lakers are hoping to achieve. In other news, James’ defensive tenacity which Redick has spoken highly about is shining through, with him averaging 1.3 steals per game including a three steals performance against the Greensboro Swarm.

With clear improvements in key areas of his game, the Lakers have decided to call him back to the roster for the game against the Detroit Pistons. But what should the long term plan be?

Should Bronny James spend more time in the G-League

The one benefit of th youthful prospect spending time in the G-League is the amount of time he gets on the floor. James is averaging 27 minutes through his seven games with the South Bay Lakers. Under high duress, his instincts and scoring acumen are gradually developing. That’s how an East scout feels the Lakers’ second round pick will best develop.

“The best thing for Bronny James moving forward is getting repetitions in game settings with South Bay, not traveling with the Lakers on the road,” the anonymous scout told ESPN.

In hindsight, that could be how his rookie season unravels. Obviously, Bronny James will have opportunities to prove himself during a few games for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, JJ Redick has been transparent about his idea to best develop him. Like any other rookie, he wants James to earn his minutes. And so far, Redick is impressed.

“So I think with Bronny, we envision for him to be able to play and impact winning, he’s gotta be able to do those baseline things. No different than Max Christie or Dalton (Knecht). And if you do those things, you will be rewarded with playing time… The development process, if you’re clear with what you want and you’re doing those things that we ask, you’re going to get rewarded,” he said about the 20 year old.

In terms of the archtpe, Redick envisions him being a solid decision-maker on the ball with the ability to have “high-level impact player on the defensive end”. With a chance awaiting in the game against the Pistons, do you think Bronny James can show some readiness for the NBA-level? Let us know what you think in the comments below.