The Lakers are rolling with a brand-new look tonight in Milwaukee. With four players out due to injury, JJ Redick has inserted both Bronny James Jr. and Jake LaRavia into the starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton.
This marks Bronny’s second career start and a big moment in his young NBA journey. He’s had flashes of promise in limited minutes this season, and now he’ll have a chance to prove himself on the road against a tough Bucks team. For LaRavia, it’s also a chance to show he belongs in the regular rotation after a quiet start to the year.
Of course, this development wasn’t the plan for Lakers coach JJ Redick. LeBron James (sciatica), Rui Hachimura (calf), Marcus Smart (illness), and Gabe Vincent (ankle) are all out, which forced him to get extra creative with his lineups. Despite the absences, they’re still turning to Luka and Ayton to anchor the group, with Reaves handling additional playmaking duties.
It’s a tall task going up against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and a Milwaukee team that’s already 8-5 on the season. But if Bronny and LaRavia can rise to the occasion, the Lakers just might have a fighting chance.
At 9-4, the team is already on track for a respectable season despite dealing with several injuries across the roster. Led by Luka and Reaves, Los Angeles has been steady enough to hold their own without LeBron James and they want to keep that flow going.
Fortunately, both Reaves and Doncic will be available for tonight’s showdown, but all eyes will be on Bronny as he receives a massive opportunity.
James, 21, is now in his second NBA season after a modest rookie campaign. With averages of 2.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 29.2 percent shooting (25.0 percent from three), he’s had a limited role so far but has still shown flashes of potential. Plus, coach Redick has praised his work ethic several times already.
Bronny will have his hands full against the Bucks, but he’s never shied away from a challenge. Growing up as basketball royalty, he’s used to the pressure and knows how to deliver. Most importantly, he’s put in the time and work to believe he can achieve anything at the NBA level.
Win or lose tonight, Bronny will surely use this game as a learning experience and it might just lead to his breakout moment.
For now, all his focus is on the court because he knows the challenges ahead. Even as the Lakers get healthier, the West will not get any easier. If they want to keep up, every player will have to accept their role. For Bronny, that means making the most of opportunities like tonight.
If Bronny delivers, it could change the conversation around his development and open the door to a bigger role moving forward. He has a real shot to make an impact, and the entire basketball world will be watching to see how he handles the spotlight.
