The Los Angeles Lakers have made moves that seem to suggest that Bronny James is no longer a realistic option for a spot in their rotation. With his father, LeBron James, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, there's now speculation that he could follow him to Pennsylvania.
The Lakers are reportedly fond of James, however, and he has a realistic path to rewarding the faith they have in his ability to play a role in their rotation in 2026-27. It's all about the 3-and-D archetype.
Los Angeles has bolstered its perimeter with the acquisition of players such as Cameron Carr, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams. That's seemingly put James in a compromised position, which only fuels the belief that he could follow his father to Philadelphia.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN shut the speculation down rather swiftly, however, when she posted that James' agent, Rich Paul, stated that he will not pursue a trade.
As for the impact of LeBron James’ decision on his son Bronny James, Rich Paul, the agent for both tells ESPN that "they are not a package deal" and there's no current plan or request for Bronny Janes to join his father in Philly.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 24, 2026
Bronny James recently had his contract…
The latter part of Shelburne's post states that the Lakers have a "fondness" for James. Though his role could be limited, he has a real chance to reward their faith.
Bronny James can secure minutes if he develops as a 3-and-D guard
James has been at the heart of scrutiny since before he even donned a Lakers uniform. He was viewed by critics as a player who was exclusively drafted by Los Angeles because his father played for the franchise and wielded considerable perceived influence.
In the two years since, James' limitations have played a part in him playing just 69 regular season games and averaging 8.1 minutes per appearance.
The Lakers have made it clear, however, that they want to support Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with high-level defenders and catch-and-shoot specialists. It's been evident in their strategy in free agency and at the 2026 NBA Draft.
With this in mind, James is a realistic option to overcome the hurdles in front of him and become the two-way contributor the Lakers need at guard.
Lakers have room for a 3-and-D guard to complement the offensive stars
Sexton offers on-ball value and three-point efficiency, as well as perhaps underrated defensive attributes. What makes James different, however, is that he doesn't need as many touches, meaning he could be a true impact defender at the point of attack who can maintain an off-ball role that adequately complements the ball-dominant offensive focal points.
After shooting 38.6 percent from beyond the arc in 2025-26, there's at least some reason to believe James can check that off-ball box as his volume ideally increases.
This past season, James attempted 1.4 three-point field goals in 8.9 minutes per game. That translates to 5.5 attempts per 36 minutes. If he can truly maintain that level of efficiency with more shots going up, and he continues to provide energy and intensity on defense, there should be a place for him in the rotation.
In turn, James would reward the Lakers' faith in his abilities and finally silence the critics who question his place in the rotation and insist he'll be traded.
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