The Los Angeles Lakers have a $2.4 million team option on Bronny James' contract for the 2027-28 season, which makes this a make-or-break year. They plan to keep the 21-year-old, even with LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers. Bronny has shown enough to get another chance, but keeping him on a rookie contract and extending him are two different things. There must be a third-year leap or the Lakers will be looking to move on.
Los Angeles built the team around Luka Doncic this summer. LeBron was one of eight departures as the purple and gold got younger, more athletic, and increased their versatility. The Lakers tried to use the 2024 Mavericks as a model. There are still a few players that don’t fit, and Bronny may be one of them.
LeBron’s son significantly improved his shooting in his second professional season. It has some in the organization excited about his future, but Bronny still hasn’t cracked the nightly rotation. The Lakers have no guaranteed money on the books from the 6’2 guard after this season. They can completely walk away, which means James has to earn his spot.
It is now or never for Bronny James with the Lakers
Bronny improved his 3-point percentage from 32.5 percent as a rookie to 38.0 percent in year two when his NBA and G League numbers are combined. That increase is going from well-below average to ideal. Teams are always looking for players that can hit 38 percent or higher from long range. Bronny has to prove that leap was no fluke.
The 6’2 guard still struggles on defense and is between positions. He doesn’t have the ball-handling or playmaking chops to be a point guard. Bronny lacks the size to play the two. He must be able to space the floor and defend at the point of attack if he wants to stick in the nightly rotation.
Bronny turns 22 in October. He wouldn’t be the first player to earn a nightly role after his 22nd birthday. The Lakers don’t need him to suddenly become a finished product, but they want to see gradual growth. The year-two shooting leap was the perfect example. Continued gains will keep Bronny on their roster. If he stagnates in year three, the Lakers will look to move on.
They want to win immediately. Luka is in his prime and the roster is built around him. If Bronny, he isn't helping the Lakers compete with the best teams, Los Angeles should look to move on.
Bronny is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. Fans know that means James will want to get paid and won’t be interested in taking a discount to remain in Los Angeles. That adds even more pressure to this season. If Bronny wants a second NBA contract, he has to earn it now.
Fans will be watching closely throughout training camp. James must improve his defense, playmaking, ball-handling, and show that his shooting was no fluke. That is a lot to ask from a 21-year-old, but Bronny knows what he must work on. The fan favorite is out of his father’s shadow. It is on Bronny to earn a new contract with his play.
The Los Angeles Lakers know this is a make-or-break season for Bronny James. The 21-year-old guard is nearing the end of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 if the franchise doesn’t extend him. Bronny has to earn a second contract by improving his game. Fans saw the work pay off last season. Can he make another leap in year three? Everyone will be watching the fan favorite closely.
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