The most encouraging part about 2025-26 for Bronny James was his growth as a 3-point shooter. However, it is a specific type of 3-point shot the Los Angeles Lakers will need to see more of from him moving forward. That would be the catch-and-shoot triple.
Bronny's 3-point numbers with the South Bay Lakers jump off the charts. In the 2025-26 regular season, James shot 45.6 percent on 4.9 attempts per game. A lot of that involved creating for himself, though. Beside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the young guard will often find himself on the receiving end instead.
Unfortunately for us, the G League does not have tracking data like the NBA that can offer specific catch and shoot figures to look at. That leaves today's discussion revolving around what James did with his NBA opportunities on those types of shots. Last season's sample size was strong.
The Lakers will need to see much more of it, but on the shots that registered as catch-and-shoot 3s, James delivered. Bronny shot 41.4 percent on those chances. It is an encouraging number that is only made imperfect by the limited amount of attempts (0.7 per game).
If that growth is real and splashable on a bigger volume, James has his entry point on how to become an impactful player within the Lakers rotation and offense.
A catch-and-shoot 3-ball gives Bronny James a way to play with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
It has long been discussed that what gets James on the floor for the Lakers will be his defense. What would keep him there on a consistent basis would be the offense, though.
The Lakers will certainly be moving toward an attack that balances out the approach. Adding the likes of Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and company indicates a desire to keep Doncic and Reaves from being run into the ground. If James does see playing time, it is not like he will be without the ball in his hands altogether.
Even so, sharing the floor with either one of the two star guards demands the ability to stretch the floor for them and capitalize on the perimeter opportunities they create. That is why the catch-and-shoot attempts matter.
Rob Pelinka made an effort to open up the floor by adding shooting threats. Being a part of that and not getting left behind is important for Bronny.
With the loaded guard depth on this team, James will not be under any pressure to immediately actualize the playable version of himself. However, a team option for 2027-28 on his deal will not leave him completely absolved of the responsibility to prove himself as a viable depth piece either. Showing off that quick trigger and splashing his 3-ball will help make that case.
Add us as a preferred source on Google