Was Bronny James waived off the G League team? How Lakers rookie’s contract affects South Bay assignments

Bronny James’ rookie season with the Lakers organization is on a unique trajectory.

James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was part of NBA history less than halfway through his career. He has since continued to work on finding his way. Like many of the late second-round draft picks, that process has included stints with the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

The nature of James’ rookie season also means he isn’t always available for the South Bay, raising questions about his status on the team’s roster.

Here’s what you need to know about James’ position as a member of the South Bay Lakers.

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Was Bronny James waived off the G League team?

James has not been waived by the South Bay Lakers. He is on a standard NBA contract with the Los Angeles Lakers that is fully guaranteed through the 2025-26 NBA season and is effectively a member of both rosters.

After he was drafted, it was reported that James would spend a large portion of his rookie season in the G League. Because he is on an NBA contract, his availability to the South Bay depends on assignments from the NBA’s Lakers.

James’ availability for South Bay’s G League games depends on a number of factors, namely the location of the game. James will only play in the South Bay Lakers’ home games, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

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South Bay plays its home games at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, which is also where the LA Lakers practice.

As with any player, James’ availability to the South Bay also depends on health. A month into his pro career, James appeared on the Lakers’ inactive list for the first time with a bruised heel.

BRONNY JAMES’ STATISTICS: NBA Stats and Game Logs | G League stats and game logs

How Bronny James’ contract affects G League assignments

James is on a standard NBA contract with the Lakers.

The collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and its Players’ Association outlines the parameters for G League assignments. According to the CBA, an NBA team can assign a player on a standard contract and less than three years of NBA service to an NBA G League team at any time. James falls within that criteria.

There is no limit to the number of times James can be assigned to the South Bay Lakers. There, he plays alongside other Lakers on standard contracts, Lakers players on two-way contracts, and members of the South Bay Lakers who are on standard G League contracts.

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Bronny James contract details

After being drafted with the 55th overall pick, James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers.

The third year of James’ contract becomes fully guaranteed on June 29, 2026. The fourth year of his contract is a team option that becomes fully guaranteed on January 10, 2028.

All salary figures via Spotrac.