It can be tough to not get in your own way at times. That may be the case with Bronny James and his desire to develop into an on-ball guard at the NBA level.
Raj Chipalu pointed out that goal for the rapidly developing young talent on a recent episode of Buha's Block. The Los Angeles Lakers writer explained that has been openly expressed by Bronny himself.
Chipalu said, "If you go to the source, and you ask Bronny ... he will very clearly tell you, 'I want to be an on-ball guard. That's what I'm preparing for. That's the reps I'm getting. That's what the assistant coaches are watching film on with me.' ... Whether he will attain that ... is a little difficult."
Jovan Buha's guest highlighted the challenges that come with James' size and 'the level of offensive player' needed to find success in that role. Chipalu did admit that watching the growth in confidence for Bronny offer some encouragement, nonetheless.
Path to NBA minutes for Bronny James could lie elsewhere
James knows working his way into an NBA rotation starts on the defensive end. That much has always been clear and will remain the truth for the foreseeable future. However, being a non-factor on offense will not keep him there.
Bronny has done some incredible work since being selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft to polish his skills offensively. There is just some dispute here as to what is the most direct and sustainable model for James to aspire to.
Chipalu did mention some other points to Buha worth pointing out here. The ball handling has improved a ton for Bronny. So has the pull-up jump shooting. These elements should help James in pursuing that role.
Bronny tells @autumnjohnsontv what the @Lakers coaching staff has challenged him with in year 2:
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 15, 2025
"Being a pest on the defense end... they just want me to come out and be myself." 🔒💯 pic.twitter.com/9A4kJgFKOM
This is all before the inevitable 'but' has to enter the discussion. This does need to be evaluated in terms of being done against G League, and more recently Summer League, competition. Not all of these guys are future NBA-level talents.
That is not to say Bronny cannot carry over these skills learned at that level to an NBA rotation some day. However, the more sustainable goal, in terms of reliable effectiveness, would be to fill out as a 3-and-d player.
James' impressive defense and athleticism, including his point-of-attack capabilities, earn him some solid consideration for playing time already. That skill set aligns well with what the Lakers are missing right now too.
If Bronny sees his long-term future in Los Angeles, that would hopefully mean spending a lot of time with Luka Doncic in the future. Being able to consistently knock down the open looks created by the Lakers superstar point guard would firmly establish him as deserving of minutes on a nightly basis.