The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly committed to integrating Bronnie James into a regular rotation for the 2025-26 NBA season.
According to NBA Insider Sean Devenny, the Western Conference executive said the organization’s intention to develop Bronnie James into a consistent contributor.
James, who chose 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, made a challenging start to his professional career with limited NBA appearances and early G-League struggles.
However, he has shown significant improvements throughout the season, especially in the South Bay Lakers system. The South Bay Lakers system averaged 21.9 points while shooting 44.3% from the field and 38.0% from the 3-point range.
His progress became clear later in the season. On March 20, 2025, James scored his first double-digit scoring game in the NBA, talliing 17 points and five assists against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Four days later, he scored 39 points in the Santa Bay Lakers’ victory over the Santa Cruz Warriors.
The anonymous Western Conference executive highlighted James’ defensive ability and three-point shooting as assets that can earn 10-15 minutes per game.
“If it can show that it’s not a fluke, he’ll start getting 10, 15 minutes a night, as the team feels they can trust him,” the executive pointed out.
But that timeline may be optimistic for a 20-year-old security guard. Bronnie made a promise defensively, and his external shot fell with greater regularity, but he failed to crack the Lakers’ rotation as a rookie. Only in the event of injury he received meaningful court times.
The Lakers aim to be a serious title contender, making the rotation spot extremely competitive. James averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.3 steals per game as a rookie.
The Lakers’ rosters around established stars like Lakers’ father LeBron and Luka Donsic create additional obstacles for younger players looking for play time.
Bronny James’ development into a reliable rotation player may consider the team’s long-term strategy, but given the franchise’s championship expectations, immediate contributions remain uncertain.