The Los Angeles Lakers need Bronny James to prove last season’s shooting improvements were real or the franchise could quickly move on. The 21-year-old shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range on a limited NBA sample. He made 37.9 percent over 158 attempts if his NBA and G League long-range shooting is combined. Bronny won’t be the point guard with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the roster. He must space the floor to stick in LA.
As a rookie, Bronny shot 32.4 percent over 157 3-point attempts when combining his NBA and G League numbers. There were questions about him sticking in the league, as the 6’2 guard was hesitant to take open looks. James has defensive limitations thanks to his size. He needs to be a secondary creator or above-average shooter to stick.
The Lakers decided to keep Bronny after LeBron’s departure. They clearly value him, but the 21-year-old still hasn’t cracked the nightly rotation. The franchise must see continued growth, and that includes proving he is a plus shooter.
Lakers need Bronny James to make shots
The Lakers retooled their roster around Luka Doncic this summer. They focused on youth and athleticism that could space the floor and do a bit more than just spot up in the corner.
LA made long-term commitments to Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili to be the core group around Luka. Grimes and Mamu are shooters, and the Lakers know just how important floor spacing is around Doncic.
Bronny has to prove he is an above-league-average 3-point shooter. Hitting 36 percent is enough. If he reverts to 33 percent, the 6’2 guard doesn’t have a role on offense. Bronny is far from a lockdown defender, so that leaves him at the end of the bench with the franchise searching for the exit ramp.
Bronny James has to prove himself now
He is extension-eligible and is set to make just $2.2 million this season. The Lakers have a $2.4 million team option for the 2027-28 season. They built their roster around Luka and want to win now. Doncic has been to the NBA Finals and is hungry to win a championship. The purple and gold need depth to make that a reality and can’t be wasting a roster spot on James if he cannot contribute.
The Lakers could just walk away after this season by declining his option. Los Angeles shouldn’t lose Bronny for zero return. If he is struggling to make shots, the front office should shop him at the deadline. The Lakers have no reason to keep LeBron’s son around if he doesn’t fit next to Doncic and Reaves.
Bronny has to prove his shooting numbers from last season are real and continue expanding his game. The 21-year-old wasn’t in the rotation last season. Head coach JJ Redick wants to see better defense, more confidence, and growth as a playmaker. James is entering year three in the NBA, which is often when teenage draft picks make a massive leap. Lakers fans would love nothing more than seeing Bronny do just that.
Teams will want James. He is a fan favorite with immense popularity. Cleveland fans are always chanting for Bronny to get into the game. Teams want to sell merchandise and would be interested in acquiring him for that reason alone.
The Los Angeles Lakers should look to trade Bronny James if his shooting improvement proves to be a fluke. There were positive signs of growth, but it is not linear. If he reverts to being a below-average shooter, the Lakers need to move on. His shooting is a swing skill, and the pressure is on Bronny to keep improving his game if he wants to stick in Los Angeles for years to come.
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