The Los Angeles Lakers are forcing Bronny James to shine in the G League if he wants to get a shot in the rotation. Gabe Vincent hasn’t played since Dec. 14, but head coach JJ Redick is using Nick Smith Jr. to fill in. Smith Jr. was cut by the Hornets before the season and is on a two-way contract. Instead of getting that chance, LeBron’s son is playing for the South Bay Lakers and being forced to prove it.
Bronny’s future has never been more in doubt. He averages 1.6 points and 1.3 assists in 8.2 minutes per game for the Lakers so far this season. Most of his minutes have come in garbage time, and the 21-year-old is not setting the G League on fire. Playing someone on a two-way deal over him is a big deal, and James has to step up now.
Bronny had 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals in a G League win on Saturday night. It was a positive step, but fans shouldn’t ignore the fact that he was playing in the developmental league with four Lakers injured. This should be Bronny’s chance, but the organization is telling him he isn’t ready.
Lakers are sending Bronny James a message he can’t ignore
James signed a four-year rookie contract, but next season is only partially guaranteed. The pressure is on Bronny to earn his roster spot. He is strictly playing garbage time minutes in LA and must show improvement in the G League to stick.
James was averaging just 11 points with a troubling assist-to-turnover ratio in the G League before his outburst on Saturday night. The 6’2 guard must make his latest performance the new norm. NBA players dominate in the G League, which makes Bronny’s struggles even more problematic. It is now or never for the 21-year-old. He must answer the bell and snatch a place with the Lakers moving forward.
Bronny is in a difficult spot. The pressure of being LeBron’s son must be immense, but it doesn’t stop there. He struggles to space the floor, and the Lakers don’t have on-ball opportunities available. After one year of college, he had to learn how to thrive in an off-ball role and bring energy, despite uncertain playing time. It is not an easy spot, and Bronny has struggled to fill it.
The Lakers must see improvement. Bronny has a negative value over replacement player and win shares per 48 minutes for his career. That is a player who doesn’t stick in the NBA. He is getting time and opportunity in the G League, but it's now or never.
The Los Angeles Lakers are sending Bronny James the loudest possible message. It is on the undersized guard to answer it. He has the tools, but needs to start reaching his ceiling to stick in the NBA.
Everyone is rooting for the fan favorite. It is on him to make it happen quickly. If not, the Lakers may have to make a painful decision that fans don’t want as they eye serious contention. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that.