CNN
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On Friday evening, LeBron James will play his first game of the season without his son by his side.

The Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James to the team’s G League South Bay Lakers roster on Thursday.

The move was widely expected and comes after the rookie guard played in just three of the first eight games of the season for the Lakers. Bronny played a very limited role with the team and was knocking four points in 13 minutes of playing time.

The 20-year-old made history during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves in October, when he and LeBron became the first father-son duo to appear in an NBA game together.

Bronnie, who was taken in the second round of the NBA Draft in June, should see more playing time in the G League, where many later draft picks will have the opportunity to continue developing their skills.

James’ reinstatement doesn’t necessarily mean NBA fans have seen the last rookie play alongside his father in the NBA this season.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters in October that the team had done so always intended for the rookie to split time between the NBA and the G League throughout the season.

“The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been the plan since day one,” Redick said, according to the Associated Press. “(Lakers general manager) Rob (Pelinka) and I talked about that. LeBron has talked about that.”

James’ path to NBA history playing alongside his famous father wasn’t always smooth. As an incoming freshman with the USC Trojans, James suffered cardiac arrest during a team practice in July 2023.

Following the health scare, James underwent surgery to treat a congenital heart defect and was sidelined for several months before being cleared to return to court.

As a result, James’ only season at the college level was shortened. He started just six games for the Trojans, with most of his minutes coming off the bench.

James could make his debut with the South Bay Lakers on Saturday against the Salt Lake City Stars in El Segundo, California. LeBron’s Lakers, meanwhile, continue their season against the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Friday night.