After an encouraging rookie campaign, Bronny James is eager to continue his NBA career with the Lakers. This past season, they made it to the first round of the playoffs, but Bronny says they can do better in the 2025-26 campaign.
“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 an NBA legend, Bronny’s path to the NBA was not the typical one. Unlike many of his peers, he was born under the spotlight and grew accustomed to the celebrity lifestyle at an early age. Of course, James did his best to prepare Bronny with years of guidance, parenting, and setting the example on the court.
Despite modest averages in college (4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 25 games), Bronny was able to earn his place on the Lakers, thanks to the endorsement of his dad, who did everything in his power to make his dream a reality.
Since being drafted 55th overall in 2024, James has been a permanent member of the Lakers, and he’s been working to develop his game and find a place in the rotation. Last season, between the G-League and NBA, Bronny showed flashes of greatness, but he put up modest stats with a stat line of 2.7 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game on 31.3% shooting.
Working closely with JJ Redick and the coaching staff, Bronny was given a lot of care and attention last season, and the Lakers are hoping it will pay off as early as next year. Bronny, 20, is likely to be a part of the team’s rotation next season as he settles into the backup point guard role.
It remains to be seen how James’ game will improve, but he fully expects the Lakers to take a step up in the West. After finishing third in the standings (50-32), Los Angeles is limited in their potential moves this summer, but they still managed to pick up some interesting players, including Adou Thiero, Eric Dixon, and Jake LaRavia.
Most importantly, the Lakers were able to sign Deandre Ayton on a two-year deal. Ayton’s arrival gives LA the center it desperately needed while providing Luka Doncic with the kind of rim-running big man he’s thrived with his whole career.
With the new roster, deeper chemistry, and more experience for JJ Redick, Bronny feels comfortable expecting a leap from the Lakers next season, and he fully expects to be competing in the spring.
As rumors swirl regarding his dad’s loyalties, Bronny is ignoring all the noise and keeping his head focused on the work. With so much to prove in the NBA, Bronny James isn’t out to make headlines, and he’s not trying to make friends. He wants to win at the highest level and is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
