Lakers Rookie Bronny James to Make First NBA Start Sunday Against Trail Blazers

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2025 – Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Bronny James is set to make his first career NBA start on Sunday as the team faces the Portland Trail Blazers. The announcement was made by The Athletic‘s Jovan Buha on social media, highlighting James’ journey to this pivotal moment.

This will be James’ 27th game in the NBA, and he joins an unconventional starting lineup as the Lakers prioritize rest for their key players ahead of the playoffs. The Lakers recently secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, rendering this game largely inconsequential for their playoff standing.

Joining James in the starting lineup will be Dalton Knecht, Markieff Morris, Alex Len, and Shake Milton. This game presents an opportunity for the rookie to showcase his skills after a season spent alternating between the NBA and G League.

In the current season, Bronny has averaged 2.2 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in only 5.5 minutes per game, shooting 33.3 percent from the field. However, he had a breakout performance on March 20 against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, showcasing his potential.

Despite initial skepticism surrounding his selection as the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, primarily viewed as a move to please his father, Lakers star LeBron James, Bronny has progressively improved his game through consistent practice and experience.

The Lakers, now boasting a 50-win record, will be resting LeBron James, along with teammates Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith, in anticipation of the postseason. Coach’s decision reflects a strategic approach to ensure their roster is healthy and ready as they head toward the playoffs.

The team also has several players listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, including Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt, while Jordan Goodwin is probable to play.

Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Bronny James, Markieff Morris, and Alex Len are all expected to see significant minutes as they build rhythm ahead of the playoffs. With both teams having little at stake, this game allows the Lakers to explore their depth and provide younger players like Bronny the chance to gain invaluable experience.

With the regular season concluding, the Lakers will begin their playoff journey next weekend, with Game 1 set to take place at Crypto.com Arena. The team will be watching other league matches closely, as outcomes may influence their first-round matchup.

Overall, Bronny’s debut as a starter marks a significant milestone in a season filled with ups and downs, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how he performs as he embarks on this new chapter of his career.