As the Lakers prepare for a pivotal offseason, Bronny James may be quietly gearing up for a major leap. While all eyes remain on the front office’s quest for another star, one solution may already be on the roster: LeBron’s son.
According to league insiders, Bronny is expected to take on a much larger role with the Lakers next season. With trade assets scarce and limited room in free agency, internal development is becoming a priority, and Bronny is firmly in the mix.
“I think he could be a rotation player by mid-season of next year if he continues this trajectory,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on the Hear District Podcast.
From First Start to First Opportunity
Bronny ended his rookie season with a milestone start in the final regular-season game, 38 minutes against Portland, though the results were mixed: 4 points on 2-of-10 shooting, 6 assists, and a -23 plus/minus.
Still, the moment wasn’t about stats, it was about growth.
“I thought I got better,” Bronny said postgame. “I thought I grew as a player and a person… My progression has been slow, but I’m getting better every day.”
G League Reps, NBA Confidence
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Bronny averaged just 6.7 minutes over 27 NBA games. But in the G League, he found his rhythm and confidence, getting real reps that allowed him to play through mistakes.
“Not just sitting and watching, but being able to go out there and play my game,” he explained.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment shortly before the season ended:
“He doesn’t break character… I’m very high on him long-term being part of our rotation.”
Fans React: Real Development or Just the Name?
As reports of a bigger role surface, the fanbase is once again divided.
“Let the kid cook. If he can defend and hit a corner three, we need him.”
“If his name wasn’t James, he’d still be in college.”
“I’m here for the storyline. Father and son sharing minutes is already historic.”
Eyes on Year Two
Bronny’s not promising stardom overnight, even team sources admit a double-digit scoring average is unlikely next year. But the Lakers don’t need fireworks—they need role players who can defend, move the ball, and stay locked in.
And if his mindset from April holds, Bronny is ready to walk the long road with patience.
“I feel like I’ve taken some steps in the right direction… I’m looking forward to doing that in the years to come.”
Whether it’s fair or not, Bronny’s development will remain one of the most-watched storylines in the league and the Lakers know it.