Bronny James watched over half the Los Angeles Lakers roster get a makeover this summer, and somehow managed to come out the other end unscathed. If the young Lakers guard wants to stay in those good graces, improvements are necessary. Thankfully for both the team and player, James understands that as well as anyone.
Bronny told Mason & Ireland: "I'm all across the board. I'm trying to get better. Playing with Luka [Doncic] and AR [Austin Reaves] still, so I'm going to be off ball when it's needed. I need to be able to knock down shots and create for others."
This came in response to James being asked what aspect of his game he was working on. It is clear Bronny knows it cannot be just one area at this point of his development. The desire to grow as an all-around talent is there, and it is completely necessary.
Lakers are still due to trim the roster ahead of 2026-27 season
This is a great time to remind everyone that the Lakers are still operating over the roster limit. They are carrying 16 out of a possible 15 players ahead of media day and training camp. Trimming the group in Los Angeles will be necessary eventually.
A lot of current estimations figure that decision will come down to Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, or Jaden Hardy. That should mark Bronny safe, right? In the short-term, probably.
If the Lakers wanted to get rid of James, they would have done it when they could have saved money by releasing him. That crucial date on his contract came and went without Bronny moving an inch off the roster. One would imagine Los Angeles wants to see one more year of his development.
Bronny James sticking with the Lakers beyond this season is up to him
After 2026-27, things are different. The Lakers have a team option for the fourth year of James' contract. They could shed his salary without so much as a dent to their salary cap. That makes this upcoming season a pivotal one when it comes to securing his spot in Los Angeles.
James is right on the money about the need to improve as a shot-maker. Should Bronny find his way to the floor, Doncic and Reaves will undoubtedly create easy scoring opportunities on the deep ball. The young Lakers guard cannot shy away from them. Doing so would risk exposing what some already deem an awkward fit with the two guards who project to be ball-dominant.
Right now, James is an energy guy who prides himself on the defensive end. That has earned him intrigue, but does not fully equate to staying power. If Bronny wants the latter, he needs to deliver on the all-around improvements he is promising.
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