The South Bay Lakers are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA G League, the official minor league of the National Basketball Association. Based in Los Angeles, California, the team was originally founded in 2006 as the Los Angeles D-Fenders and is owned by the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the 2016–17 season, the team was renamed to represent the South Bay region of Los Angeles and relocated its home games to the UCLA Health Training Center.
The team is notable for being the first G League franchise directly owned by an NBA team, establishing a model now common across the league. This close affiliation with the Los Angeles Lakers allows for integrated player development, where NBA-contracted players can be assigned to the South Bay Lakers for playing time and rehabilitation.
Recently, the South Bay Lakers have garnered significant media attention due to the assignment of rookie Bronny James to the team. Numerous sports outlets have covered his performances and development in the G League, analyzing his progress as he works to establish his professional career. The team has also been in the news for its recent on-court results and roster additions, including the signing of a notable collegiate player.
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- Bronny James returns to G League with a modest performance - BasketNews.com 2025-11-22 14:29 · BasketNews.com
- How Did Bronny James Play in Lakers' G League? Top Highlights and Stats from Friday - Bleacher Report 2025-11-22 13:13 · Bleacher Report
- Lakers Add 3-Time All-American Big Man to Roster - Heavy Sports 2025-11-22 08:52 · Heavy Sports
- NBA: Bronny James Heads to the G League to Fill His Dad's Shoes - Al Bat 2025-11-22 08:12 · Al Bat
- Gonzaga legend Drew Timme signs two-way contract with Los Angeles Lakers - KXLY.com 2025-11-22 07:32 · KXLY.com
- Drew Timme to Sign Two-Way Contract With Los Angeles Lakers - The Slipper Still Fits 2025-11-22 07:14 · The Slipper Still Fits
- Lakers aim to sign Drew Timme to a two-way contract - Silver Screen and Roll 2025-11-22 06:51 · Silver Screen and Roll
- Bronny James takes a hard hit after the Lakers' latest announcement amid his father Lebron's return - MARCA 2025-11-21 23:27 · MARCA
- Two Lakers players have been assigned to the G League - LeBron Wire 2025-11-21 23:01 · LeBron Wire