Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, the 20-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has sustained a bruised left heel and is listed as doubtful for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The Lakers had not disclosed the injury until Monday, when Bronny was included in the team’s injury report. This setback comes after Bronny’s involvement in both the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, earlier this month. He has played 16 minutes across five NBA games, contributing four points, and has seen more action in two G League games.
Bronny’s recent outing with the South Bay Lakers was on Sunday, where he played 25 minutes, scoring four points in a loss to Stockton. He had previously scored six points in South Bay’s season opener.
Despite limited playing time in the NBA, Bronny made history last month when he and LeBron became the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously, although they have yet to appear on the court together since. Bronny’s NBA appearances have largely been in garbage time, with the Lakers already having secured victory.
The Lakers (9-4) are riding a five-game win streak and boast a perfect 6-0 record at home. LeBron James has been in exceptional form, recently recording four consecutive triple-doubles, before the streak was halted in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans last Saturday.
Adding to the Lakers’ injury concerns, starting forward Rui Hachimura is also doubtful for the game against the Jazz due to an ankle injury. He missed the past two games and did not practice on Monday. Coach JJ Redick remains optimistic, saying Hachimura is “making a lot of progress” and could return to practice during the team’s homestand.
As the Lakers aim to extend their winning streak, they will be hoping to recover from these injury challenges and maintain their strong start to the season.