Bronny James entered the NBA with immense expectations – not simply as the son of one of basketball’s all-time greats, but as someone many believed could carve his own legacy. But his recent showing in the 2025 preseason suggests his ascent may be slower than anticipated, and that spotlight back on LeBron James is widening.
In a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Bronny shot an alarming 1-for-12 from the field – an 8.3 % clip – for just 8 points in nearly ten minutes of play.
He grabbed 5 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and recorded 2 turnovers, ending with a -12 plus/minus.
Over multiple short stints, he struggled to find rhythm, missing his shot attempts and failing to generate consistent impact. Those kinds of performances raise new doubts about his ability to break into the Lakers‘ rotation.
Bronny already entered the league with modest numbers. During his rookie 2024-25 season, he averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists in just 6.7 minutes per game, shooting 31.3 % from the field and 28.1 % on three-pointers.
His G League numbers were more encouraging – where he logged considerable minutes, contributed scoring, and showed flashes of improvement – but those performances haven’t yet translated to sustained NBA success.
When a legendary father overshadows faltering progress
LeBron’s name amplifies everything Bronny does – and when Bronny stumbles, those missteps are magnified.
Instead of celebrating baby steps, the conversation quickly circles back to comparisons, expectations, and whether LeBron‘s legacy helps or hinders his son.
Critics scoff when Bronny Jamesmisses shots; admirers cling to his potential. Either way, LeBron finds himself drawn into media narratives he may rather avoid.
That might be the biggest barrier Bronny faces – not just mastering the fundamentals, but emerging from his father’s shadow. As his on-court struggles continue, those watching will wonder: can he develop fast enough to silence skeptics – and ease LeBron’s burden of scrutiny?
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