Bronny James may be the most talked-about second-round selection in the history of the NBA Draft. The Lakers’ 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft arrived with a substantial fanbase and social media following, alongside a considerable number of critics eager to observe any struggles.
Being the offspring of LeBron James certainly has its advantages, but it also entails considerable expectations, and Bronny appeared to experience this during his limited appearances with the Lakers’ NBA squad as a first-year player. As the season progressed, he dedicated more time to the Lakers’ developmental league affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, away from the intense spotlight and with a greater emphasis on his actual development as a basketball player.
As he prepares for his second season in the NBA, there is reduced hype surrounding him, but following a noteworthy performance in the Summer League, the Lakers express increased optimism regarding the potential of the younger James. Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan recently appeared on “The Sports Shop with Reese + K-Mac” and spoke about Bronny’s evolution and improvement in the developmental league — and why he anticipates Bronny being a factor in the Lakers’ rotation in the upcoming season:
We’ve observed significant growth since his initial year. I thought he performed exceptionally well in the Summer League this year. For a young player entering the league with the level of scrutiny he faced last year, it was truly remarkable. Both last year and this year, his games in the Las Vegas Summer League were sold out, attracting a large audience eager to watch him play. The fanbase has generally demonstrated strong support for him.
He devoted considerable time to the G League this past season, which I believe greatly benefited him. This was evident when he participated in the Summer League and played in every game this summer, exhibiting increased confidence. He appeared considerably more at ease compared to the previous year. While anyone would likely feel apprehensive under similar circumstances, he demonstrated a remarkable sense of composure this season. His shooting ability was consistently sound, but he displayed increased self-assurance, confidently making shots and attacking the basket. On the defensive end, we encouraged him to challenge himself by applying pressure on the ball.
Witnessing them collaborate was truly amazing. LeBron, as a father, was exceptional. … However, LeBron ensured that a professional environment was maintained on the court, setting an example not only for his son but also for his teammates. I have a high regard for Bronny. He’s a remarkable young man, and we anticipate that he may potentially receive playing time this year.
Most of Bronny’s NBA playing time last season — 181 minutes across 27 games — occurred during periods when the game’s outcome was already decided. Nevertheless, McMillan seems to believe that he is developing into a player capable of contributing to the Lakers’ regular rotation sooner rather than later. Bronny’s challenge in securing playing time this year lies in the Lakers’ addition of veteran depth to their backcourt with Marcus Smart.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are expected to start, with Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Dalton Knecht providing bench support. However, Bronny is projected to be the sixth option in that guard rotation. While this may not translate to consistent minutes early in the season, he could certainly be called upon if injuries arise. Given the Lakers’ confidence in his defensive potential, he might see increased playing time in specific matchups.
This would represent significant progress from the previous year and would serve as a testament to his hard work and the development plan implemented by the Lakers in collaboration with their G League staff. It would not be surprising to see him occasionally return to South Bay for more live-game repetitions. However, it appears that Bronny will spend more time on the Lakers’ roster this season, with a genuine opportunity to earn meaningful minutes.
