Rookie guard Bronny James, the son of Lakers star LeBron James, has missed the last five games due to a heel contusion. It has been eight games since the 55th overall pick last appeared in NBA action, but James was active and available for the first three of those.

Find out why Lakers rookie Bronny James has been absent from recent games. Learn more about his NBA and G League journey.

The Lakers’ decision to keep Bronny James away from G League road games has sparked some debate about the level of preferential treatment the franchise is giving to LeBron’s son.

While the Lakers were getting blown out in Phoenix, their G League affiliate picked up a 95-85 win over the San Diego Clippers at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo. This was the second of three straight home games for South Bay, but rookie guard Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, did not appear in either contest.

James’ struggles with the Lakers’ G League affiliate led to fan backlash on social media. One fan with the X username Apex Jones argued that James “hasn’t left USC,” referring to the son of LeBron James averaging similar numbers in his freshman season.

Bronny James, Lakers rookie and son of LeBron James, takes an unexpected step in his NBA journey. Find out why the team has shifted its focus to his G League development.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Bronny James has been dealing with a left heel contusion for L.A.'s past three contests. Apparently, he's healthy enough to at least be potentially available for South Bay's next two contests.