Bronny James spent his first two NBA seasons trying to establish himself while playing beside the most famous father in basketball.
With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, former Los Angeles Lakers forward Devean George believes it is time to find out what Bronny can accomplish on his own.
George challenged the Lakers to give the 21-year-old guard a legitimate opportunity during a recent TMZ Sports interview, questioning whether the organization drafted James with a developmental plan or primarily to accommodate his father.
“Now that his dad’s gone, put him out there,” George said. “See what he can do.”
The comments capture the question surrounding Bronny after LeBron ended his eight-year Lakers tenure by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The younger James is no longer part of the NBA’s first father-son partnership. He is a third-year guard attempting to secure a place on a crowded roster.
Devean George Challenges Lakers to Test Bronny James
George was skeptical when the interviewer mentioned speculation that the Lakers value Bronny highly enough to require a substantial trade offer.
“Don’t tell me that. Show me what you believe,” George said. “If you believe he should be playing, then put him out there.”
The Lakers selected James with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft. His arrival allowed him and LeBron to become the first father and son to appear together in an NBA game, but it also brought scrutiny that rarely follows a late second-round prospect.
George believes separation from LeBron could ultimately help Bronny establish his identity.
“I think he needs space away from his dad,” George said. “Let him do his own thing.”
GettyKobe Bryant and Devean George of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during a free throw in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks on February 15, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
George’s Lakers career informs his assessment. Los Angeles selected him 23rd overall in 1999 out of Division III Augsburg. He spent seven seasons with the franchise and won three championships as a role player alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
George earned minutes through defense, physicality and spot-up shooting — the same complementary skills Bronny must provide.
Lakers Roster Crunch Raises Stakes for Bronny
Finding an opportunity will not be simple.
Los Angeles is building around Luka Doncic, with Austin Reaves, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes also capable of handling backcourt responsibilities. Bronny must demonstrate that he can defend opposing guards, make open 3-pointers and make quick decisions without controlling the ball.
His roster spot also cannot be viewed entirely in isolation.
The Lakers currently have 16 players on standard contracts, one above the regular-season limit. They must trade or waive at least one player before opening night. Their continuing interest in unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga could require additional roster and salary maneuvering.
Getty LeBron James and Bronny James are not a package deal, according to their agent, Rich Paul, after LeBron left the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.
Bronny’s approximately $2.3 million salary is fully guaranteed, but that does not make him immune from the roster math. Training camp now carries greater significance: He must show enough progress to convince the Lakers that his development remains worth protecting.
His second season provided encouraging evidence.
Bronny averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in 8.9 minutes across 42 NBA games. He shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range after making only 31.3% overall and 28.1% from deep as a rookie.
With the Lakers’ G League affiliate, he averaged 15.6 points, 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 14 regular-season appearances while shooting 45.6% from beyond the arc.
Rich Paul, the agent for both Jameses, has said they are “not a package deal,” and Bronny did not ask to follow his father to Philadelphia.
That leaves Bronny where George believes he should be: on his own, with a crowded training-camp roster and nowhere left to hide.
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