Bronny James will likely play in the preseason and then spend most of the 2024-25 season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.

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PALM DESERT, California (AP) — Bronny James is expected to play in his first NBA preseason game on Friday night Lakers host Minnesota in the first of two weekend games for Los Angeles at Coachella Valley (10:30 ET, NBA TV).

LeBron James is not expected to play with his oldest son against the Timberwolves, but the 39-year-old superstar will likely play against Phoenix on Sunday – which happens to be Bronny’s 20th birthday.

The Lakers made no pregame announcement, but ESPN reported that LeBron would not play against Minnesota when he returns to competition after a busy summer. LeBron and Anthony Davis were members of the American team that won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said as much on Thursday both LeBron James and Davis he will play in at least one match next weekend.

Bronny James was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the draft and played for the team in the summer league games in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-2 guard is expected to play for the Lakers in the preseason and then spend much of the upcoming season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.

“Obviously there are nerves,” Bronny said after the Lakers pre-game shootaround. “But I’m excited to get out there and learn from the people playing in front of me, and if I get a chance to show what I can do, I’ll do it.”