The Los Angeles Lakers’ G-League affiliate South Bay Lakers have seen a productive last few games from the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Bronny James, though it was revealed he’ll miss some time with a left forearm muscle strain.
The 6-foot-2 guard had been finding a groove in the G-League, averaging 17.3 points, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals in 12 appearances for the club so far this season. In his most recent contest against the Valley Suns on Friday prior to the injury, James scored a game-high 28 points in a 122-104 victory.
When the son of future Hall-of-Fame inductee LeBron James returns to action for South Bay, he will be taking the floor alongside former No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft Stanley Johnson, as a trade that sent the 6-foot-6 forward from the Rip City Remix to South Bay was made official Monday night.
“OFFICIAL: South Bay Lakers acquire forward Stanley Johnson,” South Bay shared via Twitter/X.
“The team sends returning player rights to guard Devonte’ Graham and forward Vincent Valerio-Bodon to the Rip City Remix.”
As an eight-year NBA veteran, Johnson has gained experience through his time with five different teams including Los Angeles in 2021-22.
In his 449-game career with the Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, the athletic forward has compiled 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds at the NBA level.
While he hasn’t been able to stick with an NBA franchise for long, Johnson is an elite, efficient scorer in the G-League, averaging 14.2 points and 5.3 rebounds while connecting on 41.1% of his 4.7 three-point attempts in 31 contests for the Stockton Kings in 2023-24.
By joining James in South Bay, the two could end up using their time to warm up before a possible call-up to the main roster as the 2025 NBA Playoffs inch closer.
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