The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Denver Nuggets for the first time this season, and the results were eerily the same as when these two teams met up. Los Angeles jumped out to a lead at halftime and were feeling good about their chances to finally take down the Nuggets in the regular season.

But once the second half started, things changed very quickly. Denver blitzed the Lakers from the jump en route to a 127-102 win at Crypto.com Arena.

Silence filled the air as the Nuggets once again took down Los Angeles. These two teams have met in each of the last two years in the playoffs, with Denver winning eight of the nine contests.

But once the game was all but settled, fans started wondering if they would see a glimpse of rookie guard Bronny James. Much to the displease of the Lakers’ fans, James didn’t enter this game.

TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 1: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 1, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. James…


Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images

James has been shuffling between the Lakers and the G League as Los Angeles tries to work out a plan to give him time for development. The rookie is nowhere near ready to be a full-time NBA player right now so getting as many reps as possible will help him in the end.

However, the Lakers have only been allowing him to play home games for the South Bay Lakers. This is likely out of precaution for his security but it still is a little detrimental to his progress.

Many have been critical of this plan from the Lakers, calling it preferential treatment for a player who hasn’t earned it. But the Lakers seem to be sticking with it as the days go on.

While James isn’t ready for the NBA right now, Los Angeles does believe that he can become an impactful player down the line. The guard has shown some strong instincts on the defensive side of the floor but it’s his offensive game that needs more work.

His jump shot is still a work in progress and his G League stints haven’t been much better. James has played in two games for South Bay, averaging 5.0 points and 3.0 assists in 28.5 minutes.

It may take some time for James to get fully accustomed to the professional leagues but it will be up to time to take advantage of the opportunity that the Lakers have granted.

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