The search seems to be complete. After over a year of scrambling for their identity, the Lakers just might have found that. The 5-1 record in the last 6 games certainly indicates towards that. But it wouldn’t look like the Lakers if there wasn’t a minor inconvenience amid the good times. Bronny James, who has been posting up numbers in G League could now get some extended minutes for the LA side. And that’s where the issue lies.

According to Dan Woike, “The Lakers will be without G Gabe Vincent tonight in Charlotte, a source tells the LA Times. The team just recalled Bronny James from South Bay.” Gabe Vincent, who was finding his rhythm in recent games off the bench, now joins the lengthy Lakers injury report ahead of the Hornets game.

James Jr. has been getting minutes recently, with 8 in the last 3 games, excluding the Warriors game. JJ Redick’s game plan in recent weeks shows a slight shift from the previous shoot at sight mentality. With multiple bigs on the court, the Lakers are dominating the paint more frequently. The hustle in the team has also picked up and Bronny’s energy can certainly add to that. But the Lakers fans are more interested in seeing a big name trade rather than LeBron’s son. While the franchise called up Bronny to fix the issue, the Lakers nation was not amused, for various reasons.

Poll of the day

Poll 1 of 5

Do you think the Lakers' decision to call up Bronny James amid Gabe Vincent's injury is a smart move?

Yes, it's a great opportunity for Bronny

No, it's too risky

It's just a temporary fix

Could lead to a trade

Is Stephen A. Smith overreacting to his courtside confrontation with LeBron James?

Yes, he's milking it

No, it's justified

It's all for show

Not sure

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With LeBron James sidelined, can Luka Dončić lead the Lakers to victory against top teams like the Bucks and Nuggets?

Yes, he's got what it takes

No, it's too much pressure

Only if the officiating improves

Not sure

Is Klay Thompson the right leader to guide the Mavericks back to glory?

Absolutely, he's a proven champion

No, they need fresh blood

He needs more support

Too early to tell

Was trading Andrew Wiggins for Jimmy Butler the right move for the Warriors?

Absolutely, Butler is a game-changer

No, Wiggins was crucial

Time will tell

Not sure

Want to dive deeper?

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Lakers fans left stunned by the latest Bronny James decision

Taking to X, the stunned fans expressed their concerns over the decision and many were foreseeing a trade they craved. “Gabe and Rui out huh? Interesting,” a fan pointed out. The interesting part here is the assumption of a trade. According to fan lore, a player is often taken out of the team on the pretext of injury just before a trade. Is it the case here too?

Since the report of LeBron James and Anthony Davis being ‘concerned’ about the franchise’s ability to add another significant star to the team, the Lakers fans are in anticipation for big news. “👀 wonder why? You reported it so what the reason?,” a fan enquired of the LA Times reporter. “Seems odd. I know Gabe slightly hurt his foot in last game but he ended up finishing game . So that’s not it. Wonder if he’s in trade talks.” Interestingly, Waller Kessler is also questionable ahead of the Jazz game. So is it finally happening?

But not everyone was dreaming of a trade. Looking at the brighter side for Bronny a user commented, “Would be great to see Bronny get some real minutes His confidence is super high right now.” On Friday, Bronny scored his career-high 31 points against Rip City Remix, 25 of which came in the second half. Icing the cake was a massive poster dunk that levelled the scores before eventually winning 122-110.

“Shake Milton mins?” a fan asked the reporter. Since his trade to the Purple and Gold as a part of the D’Angelo Russell deal, Milton’s minutes have been far and few. Contending Bronny for the backup PG position, the fans want to see more from their new acquisition. In 7 games for the LAL, Milton has played 8.7 minues on average and the next step is certainly increasing that number in the rotation.

“Gabe trying to kill his limited trade value so he can stay with the Lakers the rest of the season,” stated another member of the Lakers nation. Vincent, who’s earning $11 million this season is a much discussed bargaining chip in the trade market. But getting injured every once in a while isn’t helping that either. But Bronny wouldn’t mind that as long as he gets chance.

After Anthony Davis went on record with his demand for another center, the Lakers are expected to be active up until the Feb 6 trade deadline. Jonas Valanciunas is a name often looked at along with Walker Kessler. However, the price set for the Jazz star is steep. Now it is up to Rob Pelinka to gamble, throwing the draft assets into the mix. But whatever happens, don’t expect Bronny James’ name in the trade block. That’s a speculation, not even the biggest hater will be bold enough to float.