“Test Case No. 1” JJ Redick’s description of Bronny James ahead of his rookie season made it clear that he was going to be treated as a ‘developmental prospect’. Well, the 20-year-old fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA and even scored his career’s first points in his hometown of Cleveland, alongside his Dad. A storybook start indeed. But it was evident from LeBron’s son’s limited appearances that the hoopster needs to work on his game. Sure enough, he is now heading to the G League to do so.

Yes, after a deep-dive by EssentiallySports’ fact-check team- the Purple and Gold franchise has reportedly assigned the star rookie to the South Bay Lakers, their G League affiliate. But don’t worry. This DOES NOT mean the youngster is leaving the Lakers or the NBA.

As per veteran insider Shams Charania, the Lakers’ plan is for Bronny James to play in only South Bay’s home games. LeBron’s eldest will continue to shuttle between the G League and the main roster as his time is managed by the team.

Therefore, there is a chance that the star rookie will join Papa James and the rest of the squad for occasional road trips and even some home games as he simultaneously continues to develop his skills with the South Bay team. Well, he will remain part of the main roster for tomorrow’s Sixers game too, following which he is expected to make his G League debut on Saturday against Salt Lake City.

Moreover, JJ Redick revealed that this move was always part of the plan, “You base things in real-time. And the plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers roster and the South Bay roster, that’s always been the plan since Day 1. Rob (Pelinka) and I have talked about that. LeBron’s talked about that.” And with the contract he bagged as a rookie, Bronny is not going anywhere.

Rich Paul’s brilliant move gave his client Bronny James job security

Well, if an athlete is playing in the G League, there is no guarantee that he will ever make it to the biggest stage. Some even spend their entire career waiting for a lucrative NBA contract. But Bronny James is not your average player. With a veteran agent like Rich Paul guiding him, he managed to bag a four-year $7.9 million rookie contract, which is very unprecedented for a late second-round pick.

Moreover, Paul made it clear beforehand that James Jr. would only accept a standard contract regardless of which team drafts him, “Bronny’s draft range is wide. He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth… The team’s strategy, the opportunity, and the financial commitment. That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal.”

Solely because of this decision, Bronny James has a secure job at least for the next four years. Well, only the final year of his deal has a club option and the hoopster will get a chance to turn it into guaranteed money if he impresses the Lakers’ front office and JJ Redick (if he’s still at the helm) via his performance in the G League. Now, it’s all up to the rookie to show how he makes use of this opportunity. No more drama, no more spotlight. What do you think?