The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that they believe in Bronny James as a part of their 15-man roster, even without LeBron James. Before the GOAT took his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers guaranteed Bronny’s contract for this season. After LeBron was gone, Los Angeles had a shot to trade his son to Philadelphia, but it never happened. Fans know King James loved playing with Bronny, but the Lakers clearly value the 21-year-old guard.
The 6’2 guard made a significant leap in his second NBA season. He shot 37.9 percent on his 158 3-point attempts when combining the NBA and G League. The Lakers' injuries also opened up a spot for Bronny in the rotation against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Things didn’t always go to plan, but the former second-round draft pick played 42 playoff minutes. There were some flashes in those moments.
He is staying in Los Angeles. Bronny hasn’t cracked the nightly rotation, but the purple and gold clearly believe his development is real. The pressure is on this season without his father, but the Lakers clearly believe he is ready to take the next steps.
Lakers clearly believe in Bronny James after LeBron James' departure
Bronny is set to make just $2.2 million this season. The Lakers currently have 16 players under guaranteed contracts and will have to trim their roster to 15 before the regular season opener. There is no word of Bronny being on the chopping block. Los Angeles is looking to move on from Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, or Jaden Hardy.
It is time for James to make another leap. The Lakers have a $2.4 million team option for the 2027-28 season, which is the final year of his contract. LA has their sights set on building a title contender around Luka Doncic. They can’t keep Bronny if he is not helping them win. The pressure is on to step out of LeBron’s shadow and prove he’s an NBA rotation player.
The signs that the Lakers believe in Bronny are all there. Dan Woike reported LA was asking for real value (subscription required) in a trade. Bronny didn’t join his famous father in Philly. The Lakers could easily cut his bargain salary, but they are looking to trade other players to solve their roster crunch. LeBron wanted to play with his son, but the purple and gold believe in the younger James after two years of working with him.
The Lakers completely retooled their roster around Luka this summer. Eight players from last season’s roster departed, including Deandre Ayton being traded. LA could have declined Bronny's option or sent him packing. They chose not to in a summer where change was the goal. That should tell Lakers fans all they need to know.
The Los Angeles Lakers clearly believe in Bronny James and plan to keep him. LeBron James signed a two-year deal with the 76ers. He isn’t coming back to LA. It is time for his son to earn a spot in the rotation. The Lakers’ actions are proof that Bronny is on his way, and the franchise wants to continue developing the 21-year-old. The fan favorite isn’t going anywhere as long as he keeps improving.
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