While the Los Angeles Lakers are in a not-so-ideal position entering the playoffs with two of their top players dealing with injuries, Bronny James is. All the 21-year-old can do is take advantage of the opportunities that come his way, and it seems like his biggest one yet is on the horizon. At practice on Wednesday, JJ Redick said LA needs "all hands on deck" against Houston and that the team trusts the younger James.
Fans were already thinking that Bronny could be part of the playoff rotation after Redick started him in the second half of Sunday's regular-season finale win over the Jazz. He finished with 11 points (that all came in the third quarter), one rebound, four assists, and one steal in 19 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from three.
It marked the third time (in six games) this month that he scored in double-digits, as Bronny had 10 points in 21 minutes against the Warriors and 10 points in 18 minutes against the Warriors.
Los Angeles' final spot in its current nine-man postseason rotation will come down to Bronny or Nick Smith Jr., who Redick also mentioned on Wednesday. No one knows what will happen yet, but it feels like Bronny might have the edge.
Lakers coach JJ Redick on Bronny James, a part of the “all hands on deck” Lakers for the first round vs. Houston in the NBA playoffs:
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) April 15, 2026
“When you're short-handed, he's got to be ready. Nick (Smith Jr.) will have to be ready. I think Bronny's improved a lot. … We trust him.” pic.twitter.com/Fsl7YlPFzD
Bronny James should be in the Lakers' playoff rotation
The young guard is in the end of his second season in the league since Los Angeles selected him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft. The Lakers were ridiculed not only for selecting Bronny, who spent one season at USC, but for signing him to a four-year, $7.9 million deal.
The reality of playing in LA has meant that Bronny hasn't been able to escape his father's shadow (which isn't a bad thing), but in case some forgot, he is his own individual player.
Now, no one should expect him to play heavy minutes against the Rockets and average 20+ points, but he can remind the world that he's more than capable of playing at this level on the biggest stage. Of course, that won't be his goal, but it'll happen if he makes the most of the opportunity (if it comes).
It will be a good chance for Bronny to remind the Lakers that he deserves to be part of their future as they continue to build around Dončić and Reaves. Bringing in Smith was a smart move for added guard depth, though, and healthy competition is always a good thing. How Redick approaches the minutes between those two will be interesting.
Bronny is used to dealing with pressure, and he's handled things exceptionally well over the past two years. The fact that he's continually improved to the point where we're talking about him playing in the playoffs (he played a combined four minutes last year), no matter the circumstances, is telling enough.
There is still work to be done, but he can take a big step forward by doing what's asked of him if (when?) his number is called in the playoffs.
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