It’s time for voting for the 2025 NBA All-Star game and the process has already become shrouded in controversy after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Bronny James somehow managed to get 8,000 votes, despite spending most of the year in the G League.

The 20-year-old was the Lakers‘ second-round pick in the draft and went on to make history as the first father-son duo in the NBA (both on the same team or just the same court) when he debuted alongside LeBron James.

Whilst his jersey sales made $50m and eclipsed even his dad’s record with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bronny struggled to make an impression at the Crypto.com Arena and after averaging 0.5 points, 0.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, was sent to the South Bay Lakers to continue to develop.

Away from the pressure of watching eyes, he’s managed to find some life and has averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game but perhaps his biggest surprise is the apparent endorsement of the guard for the All-Star game.

Some 8000 people voted for the youngster, and whilst he won’t make the final All-Star cut anyway, it could hint at a move to the Rising Stars game. However, even this would be controversial considering his NBA numbers.

The Rising Stars game aims to highlight the next generation of talent breaking through but Bronny doesn’t have the statistics to back-up a spot there. His best power would come through his commercial pull, which could prompt an opinion-splitting selection.

James is eligible for the Rising Stars game for the next two seasons. After that, he will aim to be pushing for the NBA All-Star game, if he remains in the sport at all.

Who do the Lakers play next?

The Los Angeles Lakers will next take on the San Antonio Spurs at the Crypto.com Arena in California, in a re-arranged game due to the wildfires sweeping through the region forcing the previous scheduling to be cancelled.

The game will tip-off at 22:30 ET/19:30 PT in LA, provided the NBA doesn’t postpone the fixture again as four fires still remain active.