Bronny James potentially playing a larger role in the Lakers' roster during his second year, suggests the team's top assistant.
The 2025 NBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Los Angeles Lakers, with the team's promising young guard, Bronny James, set to play a more significant role in the rotation compared to his rookie year.
After a strong showing in the 2022 NBA Summer League, Lakers lead assistant Nate McMillan has noted Bronny's major growth and development. McMillan emphasized that Bronny's shot was never broken and he was knocking down shots during the Summer League, a testament to his improved confidence and composure.
Bronny's development has been aided by valuable game experience with the Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. This experience, coupled with his promising Summer League performance, has built his confidence and composure, suggesting he could earn rotation minutes as the season progresses.
However, Bronny still faces a hurdle in reaching elite cardiovascular fitness and physical stamina, which are essential for his two-way playing style to be effective over extended minutes. This improvement is considered vital for him to become a consistent impact player in the NBA.
The Lakers coaching staff, including McMillan, sees Bronny as a developing guard with notable defensive upside. He is expected to transition from limited garbage-time minutes to a potentially meaningful bench role, especially if he continues to progress physically and tactically throughout the season.
The Lakers' backcourt will be a competitive space, with the addition of Marcus Smart increasing the competition for playing time. Despite this, Bronny could find himself called into action if the Lakers suffer injuries or if tactical matchups necessitate it, given his defensive potential.
It wouldn't be surprising to still see Bronny make occasional trips to South Bay for more live game reps, as the team values the experience he gains there. The fan base has been generally supportive of Bronny, the son of LeBron James, who was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are expected to start for the Lakers, with Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht as the expected bench depth. Bronny is expected to be sixth in the Lakers' guard rotation, but he could move up for certain matchups.
As the season approaches, the Lakers are optimistic about Bronny's potential to contribute to the team. With his continued growth and development, Bronny could spend more time this season on the Lakers' roster with a shot at real minutes.
- The 2025 NBA season promises to be an exciting one for the Los Angeles Lakers, given the significant role Bronny James, their promising young guard, is expected to play.
- Bronny's growth and development, as noted by Lakers lead assistant Nate McMillan, was on display during the 2022 NBA Summer League.
- To become a consistent impact player in the NBA, Bronny must focus on improving his cardiovascular fitness and physical stamina.
- The Lakers' fan base, including supporters of Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, will closely watch as Bronny transitions from limited minutes to a potentially meaningful bench role.
