The Los Angeles Lakers' guard depth leaves an uphill battle for Bronny James to secure a spot in the rotation this season. Beyond Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers can also deploy Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, and Cameron Carr at those two backcourt spots. Despite that competition, Bronny has not been shy about identifying how he can best help the star duo.
James told Mason & Ireland: "I can be a secondary ball handler to Luka and AR and generate whatever offense — catch-and-shoots, pick-and-roll offense, and stuff like that."
The two hosts told Bronny that everyone has noticed the defense. That will be the primary thing that works in his favor when it comes to getting minutes beside Doncic and Reaves.
However, it is important for James to really carve out that offensive niche amid a pivotal point of his development. Being that secondary creator beside either of the star duo is how Bronny has pinpointed his role on the team can be secured.
Bronny James wants to be a secondary ball handler next to Doncic and Reaves
Stating his desire to become a secondary ball handler behind Luka and Austin is a great strategy for Bronny. It addresses a crucial talking point of the equation, which would be his position.
James still needs a much tighter handle to be a lead decision-maker out of the backcourt. In all likelihood, the Lakers do not get there with him. Even with that added control over the rock, he just does not figure to gain priority as an initiator over Doncic or Reaves all too often.
As an off-guard, there is still work to be done, too. James acknowledge as much in his interview.
On top of what was said above, Bronny has also stated the need for him to grow as a catch-and-shoot player. If he is generating secondary offense behind the stars of the team, James will also need to be a much quicker decision-maker when the ball comes in his direction.
That leaves question marks as to how James can slot in. However, that may not necessarily be a terrible thing here. It could give him malleability.
That is a gift for a young player, especially one that works as hard as James does. Bronny has displayed strong accounts of being a willing learner and a guy who wants to constantly improve. That has made him a noticeably better player than the guy who arrived in Los Angeles as a favor to LeBron James.
Even so, good is almost never good enough. That is where things are with Bronny. The young Laker has a vision for that future with Doncic and Reaves. James needs to prove there is substance in turning his dream into reality.
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