The dream of seeing the father-son duo in Los Angeles succeed has been one of the most poignant narratives in NBA history, but that dream is facing a cold, professional reality. With the NBA market heating up and the Lakers fighting for a top-five seed in the Western Conference, reports have emerged that the franchise is considering waiving Bronny James to maximize their roster for a deep playoff run.
While the move could strategically be smart, what it takes as a side effect is clear: freeing Bronny from the Purple and Gold spotlight might be the only way to save his individual career from the shadow of his father.
A shift in priorities for the Lakers
The purpose of the team became evident this weekend when theoffy icially filled their 15th roster spot with the signing of 22-year-old guard Kobe Bufkin to a standard two-year deal (with a team option for 2026-27).
Bufkin, who starred for the South Bay Lakers, has doubled Bronny’s production and earned the trust of head coach JJ Redick. While Bronny has averaged a roster-low 6.7 minutes per game, Bufkin’s defensive tenacity has become the new internal benchmark. Redick told reporters:
“He’s shown he can be engaged and guard. Zach [South Bay Coach Zach Guthrie] has really challenged him on that end… he needs to be ready
“Go over there and be the man”
The most striking critique of the situation came from former NBA star Jason “White Chocolate” Williams, who recently voiced on the Hoopin’ N Hollerin’ podcast what many in the league are whispering: the Lakers’ environment might be damaging, rather than helping, Bronny’s growth.
“I wish selfishly that Bronny James would have gone to Duke or North Carolina just to get away from L.A. and get away from his pops and go over there and be the man. If he had stayed in college for four years, I think he’d have been a monster
Williams argued that by putting Bronny in the middle of a “win-now” pressure in Los Angeles, he will not grow up under the correct standards. Freeing him now though, will allow him to sign with another team that could benefit him in the long-term, landing somewhere where he can actually play 20 minutes a night without the “LeBron’s son” tag running on every broadcast.
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