If you are among those who bought the tickets to Bronny James’ debut game in the G League, you might want to take a moment to yourself.

The 20-year-old has suited up for just four games for the Lakers this season, averaging just over 3 minutes per game. While the sample size is small to make much of it, the franchise seemed to have made a decision on James Jr. after their deafening loss to the Grizzlies last night.

Shams Charania dropped the news that after the 76ers matchup, Bronny James will be assigned to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he splits his time between the two. It is under such circumstances that Jovan Buha of The Athletic has dropped his own bomb.

“The Lakers say they have recalled guards Bronny James Jr. and Jalen Hood-Schifino and forward Maxwell Lewis from the South Bay Lakers,” he tweeted.

Yup! And as a follow-up, Buha also noted why the Purple & Gold took such a decision just one day after announcing their intent to send the former Trojan to South Bay. “For additional context: The Lakers can call up players for tonight’s game and then send them back down to the G League for tomorrow’s opener against Salt Lake City.”

But it really shouldn’t be too surprising. If you pay close attention to what Charania wrote in his post, things would make a lot more sense. “James will be on Lakers roster vs. 76ers Friday, then rejoin South Bay,” were his exact words. Hence, the confusion perhaps may have more to do with the excitement surrounding Bronny’s G League debut, especially considering the tickets to South Bay’s season opener against Salt Lake City were sold out.

JJ Redick claims Bronny James G League assignment has “always been the plan since day one”

As opposed to the typical two-way deals second-round picks sign when entering the NBA, Bronny James, courtesy of agent Rich Paul, signed a standard contract. But even so, the Klutch Sports founder made it clear that they were open to the development process. Meaning that James splitting time between G League and the main roster was a welcome idea.

Fast forward to late October and Coach Redick claims that it had always been the idea. “Our plans are always fluid based on real time,” the Lakers coach noted. “The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been the plan since day one. Rob and I have talked about that. LeBron’s talked about that.”

As mentioned above, the young guard’s numbers do not particularly pop out, except for his spectacular 17 points against the Warriors in the preseason. Add the time lost in his college due to the cardiac arrest, and No. 9 hasn’t really gotten much time to develop his game, especially to suit the professional NBA landscape.

As such, the South Bay move is no doubt going to be time well spent. Consequently, the G League assignment will provide Bronny James a valuable opportunity to gain the experience and refinement required to adapt to the pro-NBA level, and hopefully setting a solid foundation for his future contributions to the Purple & Gold.