• Lakers started Nick Smith Jr. over Bronny James when key guards were out.
• Bronny has played mostly mop-up minutes and hasn’t logged more than 10 minutes since Nov. 8.
• His limited role and modest G League numbers raise questions about his roster security.
H2: Lakers choose Nick Smith Jr. over Bronny in key situation
The Los Angeles Lakers surprised fans when head coach JJ Redick opened the game by starting Nick Smith Jr. instead of Bronny James with Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent sidelined. Smith — signed to a two-way deal after he was cut by the Hornets this fall — was chosen to begin the matchup against the Suns, while Bronny was held off the floor until the contest was largely decided.
H3: What happened in the game
Smith Jr. started and the Suns dominated, allowing the Lakers to insert Bronny with roughly nine minutes remaining. Bronny’s minutes came in garbage time; he did not play in meaningful moments when the outcome was still in doubt. The choice to trust Smith over Bronny, even with LeBron James on the floor and Austin Reaves on a minutes restriction, signaled a clear coaching preference.
H3: Minutes, production and trust issues
Bronny’s on-court opportunities have been scarce. He has not played more than 10 minutes in an NBA game since Nov. 8 and has appeared mainly in mop-up duty. Across 15 games with the Lakers this season he is averaging 1.7 points, 1.5 assists and 0.6 steals in 9.0 minutes per game. He has also played in six G League games with South Bay, where his numbers have not forced the coaching staff to expand his role.
H2: Contract status and trade-deadline implications
Bronny occupies a guaranteed roster spot with roughly $1.2 million guaranteed for the 2026-27 season. That security, however, may not protect him if the Lakers opt to add depth ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. With the team chasing a championship and needing reliable rotation contributors, management and the front office could explore moves that make Bronny expendable if they can improve the roster.
H3: What this means for Bronny and the Lakers
Repeatedly deploying Bronny only in blowout situations suggests the coaching staff doesn’t yet trust him in competitive minutes. The Smith Jr. start is another data point that underscores the Lakers’ current stance: Bronny is on the roster, but he’s not viewed as a rotation piece when games are competitive. That reality could influence trade chatter and roster decisions as the season progresses.
H2: Bottom line
Tuesday’s lineup decision sent a clear message — the Lakers prefer other options over Bronny James in meaningful minutes. Unless his production changes significantly in the G League or he earns more trust in practice, his spot on the active rotation will likely remain limited and his long-term future with the club could be in question ahead of the trade deadline.
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