Insider Projects Bronny James’ Path Toward Lakers Rotation

As the Lakers continue preparing for the 2025-26 campaign, many eyes will be on Bronny James’ growth heading into year two. The former USC Trojan has a significant spotlight on him as LeBron James’ son, and one writer believes he could have several chances to earn minutes for LA.

Insider Projects Bronny James’ Path Toward Lakers Rotation

Eric Pincus on Bronny’s Rotation Chances

In a Friday article for Bleacher Report, senior NBA writer Eric Pincus evaluated Bronny’s chances of getting minutes under head coach JJ Redick. He compared James Jr. to backup point guard Gabe Vincent, and noted that if Bronny could get to that level as a 3-and-D guard, it’d be a “win” for the Lakers.

“He may aspire for more, but the initial hope is that James can reach regular rotation status,” Pincus added.

“Ideally, James will become a lockdown perimeter defender who can shoot the three closer to 40 percent—think of an older-school Lakers guard in Derek Fisher. James has a long way to go to prove he’s capable, but that’s the target. Should he develop further into a more dynamic shot creator as a primary ball handler, even better.”

The Lakers will have two veterans in the second unit’s backcourt—Vincent and Marcus Smart—so Bronny’s chances are already limited. However, Pincus believes that if Smart’s injury woes continue, that—among other factors—could actually work in Bronny’s favor.

“Smart’s most significant issue is durability. If he misses 20-50 games, as he’s been known to do in recent years, that might open a window for James to earn minutes. Redick doesn’t have many other options at guard, unless he’s playing forwards out of position like Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, or Jarred Vanderbilt.

James may struggle to get regular minutes initially, but injuries, trades, and, if he can shoot the ball at a high clip and defend his position well, the opportunities may come.”

The report builds on recent optimism around Bronny’s growth, including comments from assistant coach Nate McMillan, who initially hinted about him receiving more chances next season.