The Los Angeles Lakers face a difficult choice with Bronny James as the young guard heads into what could be a make-or-break season.
James, 21, was taken 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft. His time with the team has drawn plenty of debate from the start.LeBron James is no longer on the roster. That change leaves even more questions about the younger James’ future in purple and gold.
He has shown some defensive ability at times. He has not, however, earned a regular spot in the rotation under coach JJ Redick.
James will enter his third NBA season this fall. His place on the Lakers roster is far from certain.
One team observer says the organization may have to move on if the guard cannot find a consistent role. Tyler Watts of LakeShowLife.com laid out the situation clearly.
“Bronny James is a player without a position. He is too small to be a two and doesn’t have the playmaking chops to thrive as a point guard,” Watts wrote. “His lack of a true role and position has made it difficult for coach Redick to find consistent minutes for James. Bronny has never appeared in more than 42 games in a season and has yet to average more than 8.9 minutes per contest.”
The Lakers already guaranteed James $2.3 million for this coming season on his rookie deal. That money is owed whether he plays a lot or sits.
Watts warned that financial commitment will not keep James around forever if he fails to contribute.
“The Lakers must quickly figure it out. Bronny has to improve and cement himself in the rotation. Redick gave him the blueprint, but James isn’t following it,” he added. “Bronny has an opportunity. That is all fans can ask for after his first two years. Now it is on the guard to adapt, or it will be time for the purple and gold to move on.”
James’ first two seasons produced modest numbers. As a rookie he played 27 games and averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists while shooting 31.3 percent from the field.
His second year brought slight improvement. He appeared in 42 games, averaged 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists, and shot 40.9 percent.Most of those minutes came in blowouts. He never became a regular rotation player.
James has looked better at times with the Lakers’ G League affiliate. Those flashes have not carried over to the NBA level.
He remains undersized for a shooting guard and has not developed a reliable three-point shot. That combination makes it hard to find a clear role for him.
The Lakers are trying to build a championship-caliber roster. Every roster spot matters.
If James cannot help the team win, he may not be wearing a Lakers uniform this time next year.
The draft pick that brought him to Los Angeles was controversial from the beginning. Some people believed LeBron James influenced the selection. The team has never confirmed that.
James set some records while sharing the court with his father. Beyond those moments, his professional career has been quiet.
Redick has given him a chance and a plan. Now it is up to James to follow through.The 2026-27 season will show whether that happens.
