The Los Angeles Lakers (9-4) continue to weather injuries and absences in the early goings of the 2025-2026 NBA season, and as a result, unlikely players are gaining new opportunities . Young Bronny James will start in Saturday's showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks (8-5), via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Marcus Smart, who is dealing with an illness, joined Rui Hachimura in being ruled out for the contest . James will try to step up and provide meaningful support for the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves-led squad.

The second-year guard is still struggling from the field, scoring 2.3 points per game on just 29.2 percent shooting, but perhaps he can offer value in other areas. James is averaging nearly two assists in 12.1 minutes per contest and is a trusted defender. If he can adequately re

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