Heading into his third season in the NBA, the spotlight remains on Bronny James of the Los Angeles Lakers, especially after his father, LeBron James, left in free agency.
The younger James was a controversial selection, being picked by the Lakers 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and while his father is no longer on the team, the pressure is mounting on the 21-year-old to prove himself as a rotation player in the league.
James has spent time back and forth in the NBA and G League, and though his name has been floated in trade rumors, he appears to be staying in Los Angeles for next season. As two writers recently explained, he has a big task in front of him with the Lakers next season.
Bronny James Is Facing Pressure This Lakers Season
GettyLos Angeles Lakers #9 Bronny James, son of LeBron James, speaks during a press confrence during the Lakers media day at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, September 30, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP via Getty Images)
Writing for LakeShowLife.com, Svyatoslav Rovenchuk tabbed Bronny James as one of the players on the Lakers roster with the most to prove this upcoming year.
Through his first two NBA seasons, in just 69 total games, James has averaged 2.7 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 37.4% shooting. But now, under the shadow of his father, the son of the league’s all-time leading scorer has greater expectations than at any other point in his career.
“There are many still out there who do not believe the young Lakers guard is an NBA-caliber player. Some will still argue that his roster spot is being wasted,” Rovenchuk wrote. “The Lakers clearly believe in Bronny to a fair degree. They did not budge to move him in the wake of LeBron James’ departure from the team.”
“Bronny would only cost the Lakers around $2.5 million to keep around for 2027-28. Even so, they could just as easily use that money and roster spot for a vet minimum player. That puts pressure on him to make his case.”
Before his father left the Lakers, the team guaranteed the third year of James’ rookie contract, meaning that he’s still on the payroll regardless of whether he’s on the first team, playing in the G-League, or waived.
With that, and the fact that Los Angeles didn’t trade him to the Philadelphia 76ers or any other team, it likely means they want to see what they have in the guard this season.
The NBA is a brutal business, and if James doesn’t perform, his time in the league could be cut short, especially as the Lakers share championship hopes this upcoming season.
LA’s Controversial Player Faces An Uphill Battle
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: LeBron James (L) #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up before a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Writing for Basketnews.com, Orazio Cauchi shared a similar sentiment about the pressure on James this year in Los Angeles.
“This season will be the last guaranteed year of James’ rookie contract, while the final year is a team option held by the Lakers, who will be able to use this season as a litmus test for the young player’s potential,” he wrote.
The Lakers also added talent in the offseason, subsequently pushing James down the depth chart. Ahead of him in the backcourt are Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, and potentially rookie Cameron Carr. That’s a lot of mouths to feed before Los Angeles can give James the on-court time to prove his worth.
“There’s no question about the young player’s work ethic, so the hope for James and the Lakers is that he’ll continue to improve in his third season with the purple-and-gold to secure a long-term future in Los Angeles,” Cauchi added. “Of course, LeBron’s departure from the Lakers won’t automatically turn Bronny into a superstar, but it should allow him to play with more freedom and less scrutiny.”
The young guard did show slight improvement in his sophomore season, and while it could be argued he wasn’t given an adequate amount of ‘time to shine,’ he still hasn’t proved himself to be ready for a long future in the NBA.
James is in the guaranteed year of his rookie contract, set to earn roughly $2.3 million before a team option for the 2027-28 season. The figurative and literal ball is in his court, as he needs to prove himself as a valuable NBA guard now that his superstar father is out of town.
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