The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of questions to answer ahead of the upcoming NBA season. With roster needs still unresolved, the organization is looking for solutions across the board—though one potential answer may already be in their locker room. Bronny James, the son of franchise legend LeBron James, is determined to carve out a meaningful role and prove he belongs in purple and gold.
After a promising rookie campaign, Bronny is eager to build on his development and help the Lakers return to prominence. The team reached the first round of the playoffs last season but failed to make a deeper run. Bronny believes they have the tools to do better in 2025–26.
“Obviously, being on the team, I think we’re going to come back even better than we were last year,” Bronny said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “We just got to come in here and come in the gym with a purpose and be ready to work every day and be ready to get better every day.”
As the son of one of the greatest players in NBA history, Bronny’s path to the league was anything but conventional. Unlike most of his peers, he grew up in the spotlight, exposed to celebrity life from a young age. LeBron James has long guided his son’s journey with mentorship, discipline, and example—both on and off the court.
Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks on the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Despite modest college statistics—averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 25 games—Bronny earned his place with the Lakers, thanks in large part to his work ethic and support system. LeBron has publicly expressed his desire to share the NBA floor with his son, a dream now realized.
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Selected with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny has remained a fixture within the Lakers organization. Splitting time between the NBA and G League, he showcased flashes of promise while averaging 2.7 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in limited minutes, shooting 31.3% from the field.
While rumors continue to circulate about LeBron’s future, Bronny is focused on the task at hand. He’s not chasing headlines or trying to live in his father’s shadow—he’s focused on growth, grit, and doing what it takes to help the Lakers win.
At the same time, Los Angeles is doing everything it can to build a contender—both to keep LeBron committed and to prepare for the possibility of life without him. Whether Bronny becomes part of the next chapter or not, his attitude and drive could be exactly what the Lakers need moving forward.
