The Los Angeles Lakers added seven rookies to fill out their summer league squad with the theme of size and shooting, which doesn’t fit what Bronny James brings to the table. LA drafted Cameron Carr with the 24th pick. The 6’5 wing shot 37.4 percent for Baylor last season and looks like the perfect fit around Luka Doncic. It wasn’t just him. The Lakers added two two-way contracts and four Exhibit-10 deals with the same focus.
AK Okereke was the first to sign a two-way contract. The 6’7 forward out of Vanderbilt shot 40.0 percent from 3-point range in his final college season. Peter Suder got the other two-way as a 6’4 wing who just made 42.1 percent on his long-distance attempts. The other two guard adds were 6’4 options that hovered around 35 percent from deep in Robert McCray V and Chase Ross.
Bronny measured 6’2 at the draft combine in 2025 and has shot 34.8 percent over his first 89 NBA 3-point attempts. He showcased shooting improvement in the G League this season, but his hesitancy to fire away makes his real value worse than his percentage. The Lakers are clearly trying to put size and shooting around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which means Bronny doesn’t fit.
Bronny James doesn’t fit the Lakers new build around Luka Doncic
Fans know Rob Pelinka loves players with one elite skill, which Bronny has never had. To make matters worse, the Lakers’ top executive is trying to build a team like the 2024 Mavericks. Austin Reaves is Kyrie Irving. Around the two stars, Dallas had size, shooting, and defense.
Bronny has been unable to play his way into the rotation because of his struggles on both ends of the floor. He will always be targeted on defense because of his size. James must turn into a pest that creates havoc like Jose Alvarado or TJ McConnell. There is no room on the ball, so Bronny has to become an elite shooter. That feels unlikely, despite his improvements.
Bronny will stay on the roster for as long as the Lakers employ LeBron James, but the GOAT’s future is uncertain. LeBron is an unrestricted free agent. LA is prioritizing finding a difference-making center over re-signing King James. It could force LeBron to walk and would leave his son’s future up in the air.
Bronny isn’t the ideal fit around Luka Doncic. The Lakers superstar wants players who are elite catch-and-shoot options capable of guarding multiple positions. The 6’2 guard will never be a switchable defender, and he’s shot 35.4 percent from 3-point range over 38 G League games in the last two years. Adding up his G League and NBA attempts, Bronny has made 35.2 percent of his 315 long-range tries.
The Los Angeles Lakers are building their roster around Luka Doncic, and Bronny James doesn’t fit the size and shooting mold they want. He is under contract for just $2.3 million with a team option for 2027-28. The Lakers could quickly move on if LeBron departs. Clearly, Bronny isn’t a long-term fit in LA.
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