The Los Angeles Lakers will compete in the California Classic before heading to Las Vegas to take part in the NBA 2K26 Summer League. Before the Lakers’ Saturday night contest against the Golden State Warriors, the organization made a shocking decision involving their 20-year-old guard, Bronny James.

The absence didn’t go unnoticed, especially after an offseason filled with buzz about the former USC guard’s development and how quickly he might carve out a role in Los Angeles. It was reported by Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports earlier this offseason that LA is considering him for a rotation role

The NBA preseason has begun, with the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the Summer League with the California Classic games, but Bronny James was not on the court. LeBron James' son