Don't look now, but something pretty extraordinary is happening with Bronny James during this G League campaign with the South Bay Lakers. It is exactly the type of leap that the main team, the Los Angeles Lakers, have been waiting on. The work in progress that his offensive game was has now become a much more concrete product to get excited about.
There is one standout in particular that is worth paying attention to. James' efficiency is through the roof with South Bay this season.
In 2024-25, Bronny's first campaign with the G League affiliate, the rookie guard shot 44.3 percent from the field, 38.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 81.5 percent from the free throw line. That was a promising starting point for a young player who needed growth on the offensive end.
2025-26 has blown expectations out of the water. Bronny's shooting splits this season are currently 55-43-90. It's not like those are nitpicked either. The now sophomore guard has played 11 contests in the regular season for South Bay, just like he did last year, and the sample size comes from 28.9 minutes per game. This is the kind of development the Lakers wanted to see.
Bronny James' offensive leap should excite the Lakers for next season
The ship has pretty much sailed on James being a major contributor this season for Los Angeles. Similar to Adou Thiero, any arrival of the athletic youngster should come with next year's roster, not this one. The noticeable improvements come at a good time for both sides, on multiple fronts.
This offseason will bring a contract decision for Bronny. His deal for 2026-27 is only partially guaranteed. A decision on James' future would need to be made by June 29 of this year.
The Lakers could save themselves a bit of change by waiving Bronny. However, they could also take a shot on him being a low-cost contributor in next year's rotation. Given the strides on the offensive end, it makes much more sense to take that risk.
While the Lakers will be looking for an offseason makeover via free agency, eventually that money runs out. Minimum contracts and cheap rookie deals will have to be a part of the equation for the 2026-27 team, even if there are a handful of new faces secured through more prominent paydays.
That should mean Bronny's development opens the door for him to compete for a spot. The 55th selection in the 2024 NBA Draft could still yield positive results for the Lakers.