The Los Angeles Lakers have outlined the path for Bronny James to get into the rotation, but he keeps proving he can’t fill that role. Head coach JJ Redick pulled no punches about ideal plan in the offseason. Bronny needs to be like Davion Mitchell or TJ McConnell. Those are undersized and energetic guards who disrupt the pace of play. Sadly, the 21-year-old can’t even make that type of impact in the G League.
James had 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks in Friday’s win and followed it with 17 points, seven boards, three dimes, one steal, and one block to complete the back-to-back sweep. Those are strong numbers, but even the highlights show that James is not providing the energy LA needs. He must get extended run to continue his development, and the Lakers should be putting him in the role they need him to fill.
Bronny knows his defense is more important than his offense. The Lakers have Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James to run their offense. It puts the second-year guard in a more off-ball role where his defense and energy must make an impact. Sadly, that is just not Bronny’s game.
Bronny James can’t fill the role the Lakers need him to play
Bronny is a fan favorite, and everyone wants to see him get minutes in the G League. The 21-year-old needs time to develop. He isn’t getting that in Los Angeles as the Lakers push to secure a playoff spot.
The franchise has to start using LeBron’s son in his ideal role with the NBA club if they want him to blossom into that player. He can’t be the point guard and lead creator for South Bay. That is Luka’s role for the next decade. Bronny must be a secondary creator who guards 94-feet and produces more than expected by outworking the competition.
Fans have seen flashes from James. He is never going to be a superstar like his father, but Bronny can sink shots and make a few plays. His defense, especially at the point of attack, must improve. He also must buy into playing a different role. It won’t be easy, but that is his path to sticking in the NBA.
The Lakers clearly don’t trust Bronny at this stage. He has been used in a mop-up role this season. The 21-year-old’s only path to getting into the nightly rotation is dominating the G League and showing flashes of the role Redick envisions for him. So far, that isn’t happening, and it will likely take a full offseason for Bronny to shift his game toward what LA wants.
The 6’2 guard is already reaching a career crossroads. The Lakers want to build around Luka Doncic this offseason and plan to reshape their roster. It feels like every other player is competing for their place in Los Angeles moving forward. For Bronny, that means buying into a new role and bringing the energy every night.
The Los Angeles Lakers want Bronny James to play a role that he can’t fill at the moment. Will the 21-year-old adapt? If not, fans should not be surprised if the Lakers move on. They have a vision in building around Luka, and the players who don’t fit likely won’t stick in Hollywood.