Bronny James was called up to the NBA team by the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate for Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the move took place on Sunday evening.

James is averaging 13.4 points (21% 3-point shooting), 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals in seven games for the South Bay Lakers. In two games in Orlando for the G League Winter Showcase, he averaged 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.

A main reason for calling up James could be that South Bay doesn’t have another game until Friday. (The next home game is Jan. 7.) Playing time is key to his development, so getting him some minutes – even if few – in the Lakers’ next two games could be seen as beneficial.

Beyond that, the Lakers might just need a few extra guys. Bronny’s father, LeBron, is listed on the team’s injury report as questionable for left foot injury treatment.

The original plan for Bronny James was reportedly that he would not participate in away games for South Bay. However, he has played in the team’s last four games – two in Phoenix on Thursday and Friday, followed by two in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday.

The call-up to the Lakers isn’t necessarily an endorsement of James’ recent play in the G League. Scouts agree that the 20-year-old rookie still needs to work on many aspects of his game, reports Stein.

Bronny was dealing with a bone bruise in his left heel, and the Lakers were particularly cautious about the injury because he had undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the same leg while in high school.

Earlier this season, Bronny appeared in seven games with Los Angeles, averaging 0.6 points and 0.3 assists in 2.6 minutes per game.