Bronny James Out for Los Angeles Lakers Summer League Matchup vs. Denver Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Denver Nuggets in Las Vegas NBA Summer League action on Friday night without guard Bronny James. The former USC Trojans guard has had an impressive showing so far this summer but is not suited up to play against the Nuggets.

There is no injury report for James so this is likely just a move so other players on the Lakers roster can get some more playing time.

Bronny James Los Angeles Lakers Las Vegas NBA Summer League Denver Nuggets LeBron Jame — Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) drives past Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) in the first quarter of the game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Bronny James is OUT for the Lakers Summer League finale tonight be. The Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/2rXYhJTBt7
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 19, 2025

Tip-off between the Lakers and Nuggets is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT on NBA TV.

Los Angeles Lakers 1-3 in Las Vegas

Bronny James Los Angeles Lakers Las Vegas NBA Summer League Denver Nuggets LeBron James — Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have a record of 1-3 so far in Las Vegas. They have a win over the New Orleans Pelicans and losses to the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics.

In these four games, Bronny James has averaged 14.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.

Friday’s game vs. the Nuggets will be the second game in as many days for the Lakers, who fell to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night 87-78. Despite the loss, this was Bronny’s highest scoring game all summer. He was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points on 7/13 shooting from the field. He also had five assists and three rebounds.

The only negative for Bronny against the Celtics was his eight turnovers. He'll need to take care of the ball better moving forward.

In addition to Bronny, the Lakers have been led this summer by Dalton Knecht, Darius Bazley, and Cole Swider. The Lakers had a tune-up before Las Vegas and played three games in the California Classic at Chase Center in San Francisco.

They went 2-1 with wins over the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs and a loss to the Golden State warriors.

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Bronny James Heading into Second NBA Season

After one season with the USC Trojans in 2023-2024, Bronny James entered his name in the 2024 NBA Draft. He was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, joining the same team as his dad LeBron James. They made history on Lakers opening night last season by becoming the first father-son duo to take the court together in an NBA game.

Bronny didn't see much of the court as a rookie. He played in NBA 27 games, averaging just about six minutes in them. Bronny averaged 2.3 points.

As the season went on, Bronny saw more action in the G-League with the South Bay Lakers. In 11 games with South Bay, Bronny averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds.

This time with South Bay has clearly been helpful for Bronny, who has looked much more comfortable in this season's summer league compared to last year's.