The Lakers recently sent two of their youngest players to their G League affiliate.
Rookie Cameron Carr and third-year guard Bronny James are on assignment with the Coachella Valley Lakers. Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed the messaging he shared with Carr and James on the decision.
“You guys need reps, and you need to play,” Redick said.
The Lakers’ No. 24 overall draft pick began the season with an oblique injury but made his NBA debut last Sunday against the Raptors. Since then, Carr has played a minute in a total of three games.
James, whose $2.3 million contract was fully guaranteed in the offseason, has competed in five games this season and totaled 2.4 minutes.
As bench players, Carr and James evidently haven’t received much playing time as the Lakers continue their strong start to the season. Given their limited minutes, the Lakers’ decision to send them to Coachella Valley allows the pair to get the reps they haven’t received at the NBA level.
That’s not to say Carr and James won’t contribute to the team as the season goes on.
The guards are set to rejoin the Lakers for their upcoming three-game road trip to Detroit, Atlanta and Milwaukee.
