Bronny James entered the NBA with an unprecedented level of public attention for a second-round selection, mostly due to his name but also talent.
Chosen 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, his arrival drew interest not only for his potential but also for his lineage as the son of LeBron James.
The intense scrutiny brought both opportunity and expectation, shaping a rookie year in which his development often occurred outside of the national spotlight.
During his first season, James appeared in 27 games for the Lakers, primarily in limited, late-game situations. The bulk of his meaningful court time came with the organization’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
That environment allowed him to adjust to the professional level, refine his skills, and compete against comparable talent without the added burden of daily media focus.
This summer, the discussion around James shifted. His performance in the 2025 Summer League suggested notable improvement, and team officials began to view him as a player capable of contributing more consistently at the NBA level.
Development through G League experience
Lakers lead assistant coach Nate McMillan recently detailed James’ progress, crediting the role the G League played in accelerating his growth.
McMillan noted that the experience provided valuable repetitions and an opportunity to build confidence, which was reflected in his more composed and assertive play during Summer League competition.
The contrast with his first professional summer was evident. While James’ debut appearances in Las Vegas drew sell-out crowds and created an atmosphere of heightened pressure, this year James appeared more at ease.
His shooting mechanics remained sound, but his willingness to take shots, drive to the basket, and defend aggressively indicated a higher comfort level with the pace and demands of the game.
McMillan also described the professional approach maintained when father and son shared the court. LeBron James, he said, set the same expectations for his son as for any other teammate, reinforcing a standard of discipline and accountability.
A tough challenge ahead for Bronny
Despite the progress, earning a regular role will require navigating a deep Lakers backcourt. Projected starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are supported by Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Dalton Knecht, leaving James as the sixth guard in the rotation.
While this position may limit early-season minutes, it offers the possibility of stepping in when injuries occur or when specific defensive assignments are required.
The Lakers value his potential on the defensive end, which could lead to targeted opportunities during the season. Occasional assignments to the South Bay Lakers remain an option to ensure consistent game action, but the organization anticipates he will spend more time with the main roster than in his rookie year.
Year two represents a transition for Bronny James – from navigating unprecedented external expectations to focusing on measurable on-court contributions.
If the progress shown in Summer League carries into the regular season, he may find his role expanding, providing the Lakers with an additional option in an already competitive guard rotation.
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