Bronny James had to feel pretty confident about how his strong showcase at the NBA 2K26 Summer League could allow for some real minutes in the rotation for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025-26 season. Adding Marcus Smart immediately dampens the good mood.
Shams Charania reported on Saturday that Smart is expected to join the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million deal following his contract buyout and clearing of waivers. It was even a move that Luka Doncic had a hand in, reportedly recruiting the former Defensive Player of the Year.
The problem this creates for Bronny is that Smart would likely be slotting into the position that the 20-year-old would have been fighting for in training camp. Furthermore, James' skill set has now been made redundant by the addition of the two-way guard.
Marcus Smart signing pushes back Bronny James timeline in Los Angeles
Bronny's best attribute at the NBA level is without a doubt his defense. The Lakers guard has noted on multiple occasions that being a pest on that end is what will get him minutes in the NBA.
That would have allowed James to have a strong case for some minutes off the bench a few days ago. The Lakers knew as well as anybody that they needed a boost to their point of attack defense.
Bronny's development could have offered an opportunity to gain that necessary upgrade internally. However, the Lakers ensured there would be no doubt about whether they have it from an external source.
The term 'defensive pest' was coined for players built in the mold of Smart. The former Boston Celtics fan favorite earned that distinction by being an aboluste menace on that end, hounding his matchups during his time on the court.
Smart may not be what he was during his best days anymore. However, the newest addition to the Lakers is still capable of providing that defensive edge that Los Angeles was clearly lacking.
Looks like the Bi-Annual Exception for Marcus Smart. The Lakers will have to clear some room under their first-apron hard cap to make it happen.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 19, 2025
Waiving Shake Milton will clear $3M, but another move will have to come to ultimately clear enough room to sign Smart.
Once the Lakers clear up the money to officially hand Smart the contract that was promised, there will be no doubt about what his role on this team will be. Offensive players will hate to see the two-way guard waiting at the scorer's table.
That could have been Bronny's honor. In all honesty, it still very well could be. It is just much less likely to happen next season after the addition of Smart.
The bright side of this for James is that he will have an excellent role model to learn from and expand his own game. The results of that tutelage just won't be evident until further down the line.