The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James because LeBron James wanted to play with his son, but will they keep the 21-year-old guard on their roster when the GOAT is gone? LeBron is an unrestricted free agent. The decision is coming quickly, but nobody knows what is next for LeBron. The 41-year-old is nearing the end of his legendary career, which leaves the Lakers with a tough decision on Bronny.
The 6’2 guard has improved during his time in LA, but he doesn’t fit next to Luka Doncic. The younger James must improve his catch and shoot chops. Right now, he needs the ball in his hands, but that isn’t happening on the Lakers. Luka is the primary creator, and Austin Reaves is the number two. Bronny must find success off the ball to stick wearing purple and gold.
Los Angeles has been letting him handle the ball and grow his game in the G League. There have been plenty of positive moments, but Bronny was passed by rookie Adou Thiero in the Lakers’ playoff rotation as the injuries mounted. The franchise wants to win. If the 21-year-old isn’t ready to help, it is time to move on.
Lakers’ Bronny James decision is complicated as LeBron James era nears end
The Lakers will keep Bronny on the roster for as long as they have LeBron. It gives the GOAT’s son time to develop. Bronny is still years away from his prime. His jumper and overall confidence improved in year two. This draft pick can’t be looked at as just a favor to LeBron anymore, but that doesn’t mean the 55th overall pick is ready to join the nightly rotation.
Los Angeles wants to build a serious title contender around Luka. The Thunder proved how much depth and overall talent matter. The Lakers were without Doncic, but Oklahoma City swept them in the second round of the playoffs. LA needs more talent, which further complicates the Bronny decision.
The Thunder have 14 players ready to make a playoff impact. San Antonio is building a deep team around Victor Wembanyama. The Lakers can’t afford to have Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith, and Bronny eating up roster space if they can’t help them win.
LeBron could return to the Lakers, but he is unlikely to continue playing beyond next season. He has spent eight years in Los Angeles. The 41-year-old is coming off an outstanding season, but he can't play forever. Bronny has two cheap years left on his contract, which make it easy to move on. If the GOAT is no longer on the roster, Bronny would need to be ready to join the rotation to stay. That seems unlikely, so the younger James likely departs whenever his father leaves the purple and gold.
Bronny James must be in the lab working on his game because he is running out of time to prove to the Los Angeles Lakers that he deserves to remain on the roster when LeBron is gone. The franchise was happy to give King James the chance to play with his son. It has given LeBron a boost late in his career, but it is time for Bronny to earn his roster spot. So far, he hasn’t done that.
With LeBron’s exit impending, his son is running out of chances. Do not be surprised to see them leave the Lakers at the same time.
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