The Los Angeles Lakers are making it clear: Bronny James will be a part of their rotation next season. According to reports, the organization is committed to giving the young guard a consistent role, despite his struggles early in his rookie campaign.
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, faced intense scrutiny in his first season. As the son of LeBron James, expectations were sky-high, and his initial performances in the G League and limited NBA minutes left many questioning his readiness. However, as the season progressed, James showed significant improvement, particularly in the latter months.
An anonymous Western Conference executive highlighted this growth, stating,
“We’ve seen a lot of tape on (Bronny), and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July”.
His development in the South Bay Lakers system allowed him to refine his skills, particularly his defensive instincts and three-point shooting.
The Lakers reportedly believe that Bronny can contribute 10-15 minutes per game next season, provided he continues his upward trajectory. His ability to defend the perimeter and knock down threes makes him a valuable asset for a team looking to improve its depth.
While Bronny’s regular-season stats were modest—averaging 2.3 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in limited minutes—his G League numbers were far more promising. In 11 games, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, shooting 44% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. His standout 39-point performance in the G League further solidified his potential.
Bronny’s journey has been anything but ordinary. The weight of his last name, and his health scare at USC practice, combined with the media spotlight, has made his transition to the NBA uniquely challenging. However, his ability to block out distractions and focus on his development has impressed Lakers executives.
NBA insider Dave McMenamin echoed this sentiment, stating,
“I think he could be a rotation player by mid-season next year if he continues this trajectory”.
The Lakers are betting on his continued growth, and if he proves himself early in the season, his role could expand further.
The franchise is entering a pivotal offseason, looking to build around LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. While their primary focus remains on acquiring a starting-caliber center, having Bronny as a reliable perimeter defender could be a crucial piece of their puzzle.
