The Lakers have done it.

Los Angeles finally decided to send Bronny James to their G League affiliate, South Bay Lakers. ESPN‘s Shams Charania dropped the news and a few key details on the subject. Per the Senior NBA Insider, the 20-year-old is going to split his time between the G League and the Purple & Gold.

“James will be on Lakers roster vs. 76ers Friday, then rejoin South Bay. For now, sources said, the G League plan is for Bronny James to play in only South Bay home games – as he shuttles between both leagues and team manages his time on respective rosters.”

But the more interesting aspect of this news is the strays that the two $69 million worth Lakers stars caught. D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent end up being unintended victims as the community calls for their move to the G League as well!

Then again, it is not really surprising the fans would go at them given the underwhelming performances they’ve put up. In fact, the Lakers coach himself did not bother to hide that the $33 million Gabe and $36 million D’Lo had to step up their game.

We don’t have to remind you of JJ’s “it wasn’t punishment” reasoning after subbing the latter out after a defensive mishap in the third quarter and never putting him back in. Furthermore, he also noted that Russell, while playing “really good,” had a tendency to revert “back to old habits.” What he wanted to see from the 10-year guard was a “level of compete” and “attention to detail.” 

He also had some words for Vincent. Before the Grizzlies game, Coach Redick had directed a slight dig at the ex-Heat guard. “It’d be nice if a guy can play 18 minutes and not shoot 0 times,” he remarked, via Jovan Buha.

Perhaps what makes it truly disheartening is that Rob Pelinka opted to bring in the undrafted guard from Miami instead of keeping Dennis Schroder. The same guy who played quite a key role in the 2023 summer for Purple and Gold is now averaging career-highs of 19.9 points and 7.3 assists while shooting an impressive 50.5% from the field and a remarkable 49.0% from the deep for Brooklyn!

So, yeah, you get the gist. Any idea what a lot of the fans are saying about the whole matter? Let’s check it out.

Bronny James’ G League decision ignites the Lakers faithful’s calls for Vincent and D’Lo to join him

“Send Gabe Vincent down there with him,” wrote one user, clearly echoing the sentiment of many frustrated with his performances. For starters, the 28-year-old has yet to play more than 68 games in his career. Through 8 games this season, he’s averaged 3.1 points per game—his second-lowest in 6 NBA seasons—while shooting just 28.6% from the field.

Needless to say, this limited production has fueled disappointment.

Continuing this string of thought is this next individual. “Can’t be no worse than D’Lo and Vincent lol.”

The Lakers were expecting both D’Angelo and Gabe to strengthen their backcourt going into this season against a stacked Western Conference. But as is clear from the above details, their inconsistent performances have received nothing but heavy criticism.

Russell has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent, especially with scoring efficiency and defense. As for Vincent, the hoopster is contributing to a growing sentiment that he hasn’t lived up to expectations.

While the above user included both guards, this one decided to target Russell. “It should be DLo.” There is no doubt in this guy’s mind!

Yet another one commented, “Take @iamgabevincent2 there too bruh,” the sigh was quite audible through those words. It also reflects the growing frustration with Gabe Vincent’s recent lackluster performance and low-scoring output this season.

And finally, “DLO right behind you bronny..” hinting at disappointment with D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistent contributions and suggesting he might benefit from a stint in the G League alongside Bronny James. The former allowed the Grizzlies to take 15 shots for 60% when he was on defense! After 22 minutes, he was simply sidelined for the rest of the game. Well, many feel JJ overreacted because the Lakers’ highest defensive rating has been 111 and D’Lo was at 108.5 during the first few games of this season.

In short, the Lakers fanbase is frustrated. They’re pushing for changes in the backcourt lineup as they look for the consistency and impact they anticipated this season, alongside the obvious breath of fresh air that JJ Redick has already brought to the team.