The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in 2024 to play with LeBron James. The GOAT talked about sharing the floor with his son (subscription required) for years before it actually happened. The duo is the first father-and-son combination to play on the same team, connect on the father-to-son assist, and has the most career points by a father-and-son tandem. They were on the same team for Bronny’s first two years, but LeBron signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this summer.
The 21-year-old has been in his father’s shadow since he picked up a basketball. During his time at USC, LeBron’s comments loomed over Bronny. The 6’2 guard had to become an NBA player and spent his first two NBA years breaking records with his dad. Bronny had to feel some extra pressure to perform and prove he was not just on the roster because of his famous father. Even when LeBron missed the start of last season, there was pressure for Bronny to be more NBA-ready when the King returned.
All of that should finally be gone. The Lakers committed to Bronny after LeBron’s departure. They clearly believe in his future and want to see what the youngster can do without King James on the roster.
Bronny James must prove he’s an NBA player on his own merits
Bronny made a significant leap in his second NBA season. He shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range, but played just 375 minutes. He was not part of the nightly rotation, but did show some flashes when filling in. James shot 37.6 percent from long range over 20 G League games, but some are still questioning if the Lakers only drafted Bronny because of LeBron.
He is making just $2.2 million this season, and the Lakers have a $2.4 million team option for the 2027-28 season. Los Angeles has 16 guaranteed contracts, so they will have to make a move before opening night. Dropping Bronny doesn’t make much sense because Adou Thiero is the only player making less money this season.
The Lakers want to contend and can’t keep wasting a roster spot on someone who doesn’t impact winning. Bronny should embrace an offensive change and needs to lock in on defense. The purple and gold showed faith in James, but he must crack the rotation to stick long-term.
LeBron James’ decision should take pressure off Bronny James
King James left the Lakers to sign a two-year, minimum contract with the Sixers. It wasn’t like Los Angeles got outbid or forced him to leave. They gave Collin Sexton a two-year, $19.2 million contract that could have easily gone to LeBron. He would have made significantly more money and had a better shot at winning a championship.
James left the Lakers no matter how fans slice it. He brought a championship to LA and is a franchise legend. There should be no bad blood with LBJ or his son. This was LeBron's call.
Bronny doesn’t have to worry about playing with his dad or fans being upset over matters with King James. The 41-year-old decided to move on. His son was still under contract for two years, and there was no push to trade for him.
Bronny shouldn’t feel any extra pressure now. It is on him to crack the rotation and become a difference-maker. LeBron should no longer factor in.
The Lakers’ new-look roster has minutes available
LA lost eight players from last season’s roster and figures to have several battles for minutes during training camp. Bronny will be competing against Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Cameron Carr, and Dalton Knecht. Head coach JJ Redick must figure out his rotations and maximize his talent by putting them in positions to succeed.
Bronny is unlikely to win the training camp battle for the reserve guard minutes, but he will get chances. The 21-year-old needs to turn them into larger opportunities. If Doncic, Reaves, or Sexton need a game off, James should be ready. He needs to keep improving his shooting and defense to stick next to Luka and AR.
Bronny has a new opportunity. He is tied with Dalton Knecht as the third-longest-tenured Lakers. The franchise has undergone a massive transition since the Luka trade. For the first time, Bronny is without LeBron and playing on a roster built around Doncic. There is no shadow hanging over the youngster or pressure to be something he’s not.
The Los Angeles Lakers are giving Bronny James a shot to prove he belongs. This is no longer a move to keep LeBron happy, if it ever was. This is all about his son and his journey to becoming an NBA rotation player. Fans are rooting for Bronny. Hopefully, King James’ departure leads to a breakout season for his son. It would be a fantastic story. The opportunity is there. Bronny just has to seize it.
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