The Drew League has long been a summer haven for NBA stars, up-and-comers, and high-level hoopers—and this year, it could feature a new name with big-time lineage. According to Drew League commissioner Chaniel Smiley, Bronny James might be lacing them up in the famed pro-am circuit. While no decision is official yet, Smiley confirmed there’s been internal buzz about Bronny possibly joining the league’s summer slate.
“I’ve heard Bronny [James], but nothing clear on that yet. I heard Bronny might play. But nothing concrete,” said Dino Smiley in a chat with RG’s Mark Medina. “Earlier in the summer, there was talk about Dalton Knecht and Cam Christie playing.”
The Drew League is a pro-am summer basketball league in Los Angeles that offers players a chance to compete in high-level games during the offseason. While LeBron James has made an appearance in the past, it’s his son who is rumored to be suiting up to play this week.
“I think it would great,” said Smiley. “It would be interesting to see how he matches up with these guys. It would be interesting to see. Since his dad played a couple of times down here, who knows, maybe he’ll pop up there with him this weekend.”
The Drew League has given fans some amazing moments, and LeBron has always put on a show whenever he’s appeared. His most memorable game came just a few years ago, when he dropped 42 points in a demonstration of pure dominance. Besides LeBron, other stars like DeMar DeRozan, Kobe Bryant, and Kyrie Irving have all had iconic moments playing in the country’s most prestigious pro-am league.
In the case of Bronny, it’s anyone’s guess what we can expect from him this weekend (if he does show up to play). At 20 years old, he’s still very much a work in progress, but the Lakers have invested a lot in his development and success as a player.
With averages of 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game last season, James Jr. did not make a strong impression with his stats, but more run time on the court might be just what he needs to expand his game. In the Drew League, Bronny can build up valuable experience against not only professional-level players but also amateurs whom he might be able to abuse.
After splitting his time between the NBA and the G-League in 2024-25, the Lakers expect a leap from Bronny next season, and they’ll be having him play a more prominent role in the rotation. It will be a lot of pressure for the young point guard, but if he’s able to develop and enhance his game this offseason, it will go a long way toward meeting fan expectations.
Whether or not Bronny ultimately suits up this weekend, the buzz surrounding his possible Drew League debut is a clear sign of how far he’s come and how closely his next steps will be watched. For the Lakers, every opportunity for development matters. And for Bronny James, there’s no better place to keep testing his game than under the bright lights of L.A.’s most iconic summer league.
With the Drew League known for breakout performances and surprise cameos, all eyes will be on this weekend’s schedule to see if the son of the King takes the floor. And if LeBron shows up courtside—or even checks in himself—we may be in for a true summer basketball spectacle.
