The Los Angeles Lakers have no choice but to play Bronny James at point guard after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went out with season-ending injuries. This is a nightmare scenario. The Lakers were hot and looked like serious title contenders before both stars suffered injuries that will keep them out for four to six weeks. With Marcus Smart already sidelined, Bronny is the only point guard left standing.
It will be fascinating to see how head coach JJ Redick plays this. He is missing his top two scorers, including the NBA’s best bucket-getter. LeBron James will be the number one option as Deandre Ayton takes on the secondary role. Fans can expect more Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia, too. That leaves just one starting spot. Does Redick go with a sharpshooter in Luke Kennard or Bronny for the ball-handling? Either way, both will play significant roles down the stretch and into the playoffs.
LeBron’s son has struggled to get minutes this season, but he has already played in five straight games. Bronny was tearing up the G League and the team’s stay-ready games, so coach Redick gave him a shot. Now, the Lakers need so much more. The fan favorite will finally get a significant role, but supporters may quickly regret what they have dreamed of.
Bronny James will play point guard for the Lakers after Luka Doncic’s injury
Fans knew Luka’s injury was serious on Thursday night. The MRI confirmed a Grade 2 strain, and everyone’s worst fears. Doncic is out for a month with the playoffs less than two weeks away. It was so deflating, and things got even worse when the Reaves news dropped. The Lakers instantly went from title contenders to an all but guaranteed first-round playoff exit.
Bronny has struggled in his most recent opportunity. Over the last five games, he averages 4.6 points, 0.6 assists, and 0.6 steals in 13.6 minutes of action. The 6’2 guard is shooting 37.5 percent from the field and 27.3 percent on his 3-point attempts. Los Angeles needs him to be significantly better than that, especially if they are going to advance far enough for Luka to return in the playoffs.
The 21-year-old averaged 15.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 27.4 minutes per game during the G League regular season. Bronny shot over 56 percent from the field and 45.6 percent on his 3-pointers over those 14 games. That is the type of production the Lakers need with Luka and Austin out.
Bronny played point guard in the G League last season. He is capable of handling the ball and making plays, but it is a massive step up to being a primary creator in the NBA. The Lakers were preparing for a more off-ball role this year as they plan to have Doncic and Reaves for years to come. LA no longer needs that. Sadly, they are asking too much of Bronny to fill even a secondary creator role immediately.
Los Angeles Lakers fans have been waiting for the 21-year-old to get a serious shot. It is here. Bronny James has already played in five straight games and will now have an even bigger role with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves likely out for the season. The purple and gold need Bronny to play point guard. Everyone is about to see what the Lakers actually have, and fans should be tuned in to find out.