The Los Angeles Lakers have seen growth from Bronny James, but he won’t stick long-term unless he adapts his game to fit next to Luka Doncic. This is Luka’s team now. The superstar has a say over personnel and just led the NBA in scoring. The Lakers are prioritizing re-signing Austin Reaves over LeBron James in free agency. Many think Bronny is only on the team as a favor to his famous father. Those people will be proven right if the 21-year-old doesn’t improve.
To fit around Doncic, Bronny needs to defend at the point of attack, space the floor, and improve his handle enough to be a tertiary creator. The 6’2 guard will never be a lockdown defender, but he must be pesky like TJ McConnell or Jose Alvarado. Bronny’s shooting improved this season, but he needs to get better and more comfortable off the catch. The Lakers also need him to be able to handle the ball in a pinch.
None of those skills are at the level the franchise needs to play him every night. Bronny got playoff minutes when Austin Reaves and Doncic were sidelined, but head coach JJ Redick pulled the plug the moment AR returned.  There were some positive signs, but the second-round draft pick isn’t ready yet. The only way he will be on the Lakers is to adapt his game around number 77.
Bronny James’ future with the Lakers hinges on fitting next to Luka Doncic
Bronny will be on the team for as long as LeBron is on the roster. If King James leaves in free agency, the Lakers will have a decision to make. LBJ will want to continue playing with his son. Rob Pelinka and the front office could trade Bronny or continue to develop him.
Bronny was outstanding in the G League this season, including shooting 45.6 percent from 3-point range over 14 regular-season games. The jumper is coming along nicely, but that won’t be enough to keep him on the Lakers when his father is gone.
Los Angeles doesn’t need Bronny to be a point guard. Doncic and Reaves will be the Lakers’ top two playmakers for years to come. They need LeBron’s son to be able to bring the ball up the floor without getting his pocket picked. Bronny will attack a closeout or make the extra pass. They don’t need him thinking he’s Luka.
The biggest key is to fire when open from 3-point range. Too often, Bronny hesitates or tries to drive into the teeth of the defense. His jumper improved, but the 21-year-old still needs the confidence to shoot whenever he’s left alone.
James is set to make just $2.2 million this season, and the Lakers have a $2.4 million team option for the 2027-28 season. Bronny has to be ready to join the rotation by the end of that year. Los Angeles isn’t keeping him on the end of the bench if he can’t make an impact when his number is called.
When given minutes, the focus should be on improving his catch-and-shoot game, operating without the ball, and finding ways to make an impact defensively. That is how Bronny James is going to crack the Los Angeles Lakers' rotation and become part of their future. He has to fit around Luka Doncic. The blueprint is there. It is on Bronny to mold his game into what the franchise needs long-term.
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