James shows flashes of intrigue on the defensive end of the ball. But his lack of fluidity as a ball-handler is all the more glaring when sharing the backcourt with Quincy Olivari, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Marlain Veal, all of whom appear further along in their development than the second-rounder.

But once the game was all but settled, fans started wondering if they would see a glimpse of rookie guard Bronny James. Much to the displease of the Lakers' fans, James didn't enter this game. James has been shuffling between the Lakers and the G League as Los Angeles tries to work out a plan to give him time for development.

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. On Sunday, South Bay Lakers play the Stockton Kings at home. But on Saturday, the team announced the James has been ruled out with a heel contusion.