Bronny James' rookie season with the Lakers organization is on a unique trajectory.
James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was a part of NBA history less than one half into his career. He has since continued to work to find his way. Like many 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 is not always available for South Bay, prompting questions about his status on the team's roster.
Here is what you need to know about James' standing as a member of the South Bay Lakers.
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Was Bronny James waived by 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 for South Bay hinges on assignments from the NBA's Lakers.
James' availability for South Bay's G League games is dependent on a number of factors, namely game location. James will only play in South Bay Lakers home games, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
MORE: Bronny James struggling in G League is a worrying sign for his Lakers future
South Bay plays its home games at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif., which is also where the L.A. Lakers practice.
As with any player, James' availability for South Bay hinges on health as well. One month into his pro career, James appeared on the Lakers' inactive list for the first time with a bruised heel.
BRONNY JAMES STATS: NBA stats and game logs | G League stats and game logs
How Bronny James' contract impacts 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 of G League assignments. Per the CBA, an NBA team may at any time assign a player on a standard contract and less than three years of NBA service to an NBA G League team. James falls within that criteria.
There is no cap on 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 he was 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 Jan. 10, 2028.
All salary figures via Spotrac.
| Season | Salary | Age |
| 2024-25 | $1,157,153 | 20 |
| 2025-26 | $1,955,377 | 21 |
| 2026-27 | $2,296,271 (Partial Guarantee) | 22 |
| 2027-28 | $2,486,995 (Team Option) | 23 |
