4 Summer League invites who have a realistic shot to crack the rotation

Bronny James

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James at No. 55 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. It was one of the most controversial decisions of the offseason thus far, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it won't pay off in the long run.

As the Lakers look for ways to improve their perimeter depth on defense, it's plausible that James could find his way into a consistent role as soon as the 2024-25 season.

James' offensive value is still in question, as his jump shot has been erratic and his dribble penetration skills are unrefined. It doesn't help that he's thus far struggled to find his offensive rhythm during Summer League festivities.

In saying that, James has already begun to showcase his defensive prowess, including the three blocks and two steals he recorded in Los Angeles' most recent California Classic game.

At the NBA level, James could offer a nice change of pace in short spurts of playing time with his length, athleticism, and defensive intensity. It'll be difficult to stay on the court without consistent offensive production, but there's still value to explore.

James' role will likely be limited as a rookie, but there's a strong possibility that he'll find his way into the rotation in some way if the current roster remains as it is.