Bronny James Becoming Veteran On New-Look Lakers Roster

Change can be difficult to navigate, but for Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, it may allow him to spread his wings. Whether he admits it or not, LeBron James’ departure lets Bronny be himself and worry less about outside noise.

After showing more positive growth in his sophomore season and playing in the playoffs, the USC product looks to take another jump in Year 3. One this new-look team, he is one of the longest-tenured Lakers and James talked about dealing with that fact.

“It’s me, AR, Vando and then DK. It’s crazy, right? AR keeps calling me a vet, I’m like, ‘I guess.,'” James joked after practice on Saturday.

“I mean that’s what a point guard is. You gotta be talking to your guys, you gotta be helping people get to where they need to be. I think I’m taking pride in that for sure. If anyone is out, God forbid anyone goes out, I gotta be the guy that steps up and be the primary ball-handler and get my guys in the right spots, stuff like that. So yeah, gotta lock in on that for sure.”

While this may have been an unforeseen role change in terms of becoming more of a vocal leader, James views it as necessary as a point guard.

“Definitely. I come in every day trying to get better and better myself as a point guard. So, I’m just taking those steps and encouraging my guys and getting them in the right spots and stuff like that just making sure we’re organized. And I think that will help me down the road.”

Bronny’s third season is arguably his most important year due to needing to showcase his ability to be a rotation player. But stepping up as a vocal leader is another noteworthy sign of development, along with illustrating confidence as an NBA player.

Bronny James explains what he needs to do to carve out a role with Lakers

With preseason play kicking off on Monday, there will be a loose representation of JJ Redick’s rotations and where he slots certain players. James talked about how he can go about getting a more sizable role in his third year after another strong summer of development.

“Just keep working,” he said. “Continue to come to the gym, stay after the gym, stay after practice, get extra work in, competing when we’re playing. That’s all, trying to make my mark.”