Lakers rumor sheds light on how Bronny James fits in JJ Redick's rotation

The Los Angeles Lakers surprised few by selecting Bronny James in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. It was a decision that was met with an inevitably divided response, however, thus creating a whirlwind of hype entering the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League.

As James begins to find his form and establish himself as a top player on the Lakers' Summer League roster, an essential question is arising: What will his role be in 2024-25?

James has spoken openly about his willingness to do whatever it is that the team asks of him. It's remained unclear, however, what head coach JJ Redick intends to do when it comes to finding him a place in the rotation.

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers have not yet decided on a specific plan for James in 2024-25, but will have him play at least part of the season in the G League.

"The Lakers are still determining their plan for Bronny next season, according to team sources. He is expected to play part of the season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, though how much time he spends there will be decided by the context of the Lakers’ season and how Bronny continues to develop."

It seems more likely that James will spend the season with the G League affiliate South Bay Lakers, but it's clear there's an open-mindedness to a potential spot on Los Angeles' roster.

Bronny James will spend time in the G League

James, 19, was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of high school. Unfortunately, he went into cardiac arrest shortly before the start of his freshman season with the USC Trojans and understandably struggled to return to peak form after missing months of practices and eight regular season games.

That complicated his draft stock, as teams were unclear on what type of player they would be landing if he was added to their roster.

The Lakers took a chance on James, who will now form the first father-son duo in NBA history with LeBron James. The 19-year-old has inevitably encountered a world of expectations that are inconsistent with the history of the No. 55 pick.

Clearly, Los Angeles is confident in their belief that their selection will be justified, as it signed James to a four-year contract.

The early returns have been intriguing, as James responded to adversity at Summer League by helping the Lakers win back-to-back games. In the first of two victories, he tallied 12 points, one steal, and two three-point field goals made against the Atlanta Hawks.

A game later, James opened up a deep bag of tricks en route to 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one three-point field goal made in a 93-89 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Beyond the numbers, James began to create for himself and others in isolation. He passed teammates open, drove with confidence for ambitextrous finishes at the rim, and even created space for jump shots in crucial moments of both games.

If James' recent Summer League success is a sign of things to come, then the Lakers could see their faith rewarded as they utilize the G League to tap into their second-rounder's full potential.