Bronny James has a bruised left heel and is doubtful for the Los Angeles Lakers next game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The Lakers had not previously acknowledged the injury to LeBron James’ 20-year-old son before he was listed on Monday’s injury report.
Bronny James has been playing for the Lakers and their G League team since the South Bay Lakers season started earlier this month. He has played 16 minutes, scored four points in five NBA games, and appeared substantially in two G League games.
Bronny had four points on 2-for-10 shooting while starting and playing 25 minutes for the South Bay Lakers in a loss to Stockton on Sunday night.
He scored six points in South Bay’s season opener eight days earlier, and he attended both G League games with his parents at the Lakers’ training facility.
Last month, LeBron and Bronny made NBA history by becoming the first father and son to play in the league together, much alone on the same team. They have yet to play together again, with Bronny’s NBA appearances mainly limited to the end of previously decided games.
The Lakers (9-4) are off to a great start, with five straight wins and a 6-0 home record. LeBron has been dominant so far in his record-tying 22nd NBA season, recording four consecutive triple-doubles before the streak was snapped in Los Angeles’ win over New Orleans on Saturday.
Los Angeles is also likely to be without starting forward Rui Hachimura (ankle) against the Jazz, having missing the previous two games.
Hachimura did not practice Monday, but “he’s making a lot of progress,” according to coach JJ Redick. The Lakers are hoping he can return to practice this week during the team’s three-game homestand.
