As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the new NBA season, Bronny James, son of the legendary LeBron James, is focused on defining his role within the team. Following his father's recent move to the Philadelphia 76ers, questions arose about Bronny's future with the Lakers. However, he remains committed to Los Angeles and has spent part of the summer training in Slovenia with fellow teammates Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
During a recent appearance on the "Mason & Ireland" show, Bronny discussed his anticipated contributions to the Lakers' offense. He stated, “All across the board. I’m trying to get better, playing with Luka and AR still, so I’m gonna be off-ball when it’s needed. I need to be able to knock down shots and create for others, and I think I’ve been doing a good job with that this summer.” This statement reveals his intention to adapt his playing style to complement the established talents of Doncic and Reaves.
Bronny's approach is characterized by flexibility; he aims to be a versatile player who can adjust to various offensive scenarios. He expressed his desire to serve as a secondary ballhandler, capable of generating offense through catch-and-shoot opportunities and pick-and-roll situations. “I feel like I can be a secondary ballhandler to Luka and AR and generate whatever offense in catch-and-shoot, and pick-and-roll offense and stuff like that,” he explained. This adaptability will be crucial as the Lakers navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
Notably, Bronny's comments indicate that he does not expect the Lakers' offense to revolve around him. Instead, he is focused on enhancing his skills to support his teammates and step up when needed. This mindset is particularly important as he enters his third season with the Lakers, a team that has undergone significant changes in its roster.
Bronny was drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and with the recent roster overhaul, he now finds himself among the longest-tenured players on the team, alongside Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt. Reflecting on this shift, he remarked, “It’s crazy. Yeah. Yeah. I’m like got a bigger voice in the gym right now, and it feels weird.” This newfound leadership role highlights his growth as a player and a teammate.
In August, Bronny participated in a minicamp in Slovenia, organized by Doncic. This experience not only allowed the team to bond off the court but also provided valuable practice time before the season begins. Bronny fondly recalled the trip, mentioning the beautiful sights of Ljubljana Castle and Lake Bled, emphasizing that the experience was about more than just basketball. “We had the Slovenia trip; that was great,” he said. “I mean, the city was great. We had the [Ljubljana] Castle that was close to us. Then we went to Lake Bled, which is great.”
New Lakers addition Ziaire Williams also noted the importance of building chemistry during their time in Slovenia, which could translate to better on-court performance. Bronny agreed, stating, “Everyone’s great. We’ve been in the gym, working. It’s good vibes everywhere. I think that again, the Slovenian trip helped, because we got back home, we got to work, and it’s coming around.”
As the season approaches, Bronny James is focused on honing his skills in shooting, secondary playmaking, and overall adaptability. His evolving role within the team reflects not only his individual development but also the Lakers' aspirations for the upcoming season. With a clearer understanding of what is expected of him, Bronny is prepared to contribute significantly to the Lakers' success.
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