The Los Angeles Lakers clearly believe in Bronny James after The Athletic's Dan Woike reported the franchise doesn’t plan to keep the younger James linked with LeBron (subscription required). King James may have pushed the Lakers to draft his son, but Bronny has proved himself. He made a massive shooting leap in year two. The purple and gold think the growth is real and appear comfortable keeping Bronny with LeBron gone.
The 21-year-old has yet to crack the Lakers rotation, but he made 38.0 percent of his 158 3-point attempts when combining the NBA and G League last season. Bronny isn’t going to be a point guard on the Lakers. They want Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves handling the ball. James has to be a pesky defender and floor spacer to carve out a role in Los Angeles.
The Lakers like what they’ve seen so far. LeBron wants to play with his son and will ask his new team to trade for him. It appears the Lakers are ready to deny that request. Woike noted Bronny is well-liked and his work ethic is a plus. Los Angeles has no reason to move on if they believe in his future.
Lakers believe in Bronny James’ future as LeBron James exits
LeBron still hasn’t made his free agency decision, but he informed the Lakers he wouldn’t return before the opening bell sounded. King James was ready to move on after eight years. He became a Laker legend and brought Los Angeles a championship, but this was no longer his team. LeBron wants to chase a ring elsewhere.
Many thought that meant Bronny would be gone. LeBron loves playing with his son and clearly gets a bit of extra juice whenever they share the floor. King James will ask, but the Lakers don’t have to grant that request.
Bronny is under contract for $2.2 million in the 2026-27 season, and the Lakers have an option at $2.4 million for the 2027-28 season. That is a bargain if the 21-year-old can jump into the rotation and make a positive impact.
Fans have already seen significant growth. Bronny looked like he didn’t belong on the floor as a rookie. He wasn’t confident in taking open shots and struggled defensively. There were improvements on both ends of the floor in year two. James looked more like a role player and even had a few positive playoff moments.
Bronny works hard, and the Lakers believe he has room to grow. They would take a second-round draft pick to send him whenever LeBron lands if they didn’t. Head coach JJ Redick has long been a fan of the 21-year-old’s game. Bronny now has to prove he belongs with his dad gone.
The clock is ticking. Bronny is only under contract for two more years. If he can’t crack the rotation, the Lakers should move on. The pressure is on. Los Angeles believes in the fan favorite, but the improvements must continue for him to stick with the purple and gold.
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to keep Bronny James on their roster regardless of where LeBron James ends up. Anything can happen, but Woike makes it sound like the franchise believes in Bronny. Fans should be ecstatic. The Lakers believe in his growth, and supporters should too. The best is yet to come from Bronny, and it appears likely to come in LA. That is exactly what Lakers fans have been asking for, so consider this a win-win.
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