Lakers Coach Points to Bronny James Role for Next Season

Back in the spring, an NBA executive mentioned that the future of Lakers rookie Bronny James in Los Angeles was likely to go on beyond what his more famous father LeBron James's career in L.A. held. Bronny James, the exec said, was not just a charity project for the Lakers. The team truly felt it had a developing role player on its hands--and that he was on path to get consistent minutes in 2025-26.

 “I don’t think there’s any doubt that’s their plan,” a Western Conference executive said. “I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we’ve seen a lot fo tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July.”

He explained further: “The fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July … If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year.”

Bronny James Excelled in G League

While some Lakers fans may have rolled their eyes at the notion of Bronny James, who played in only 27 NBA games last season, getting a rotation spot with the Lakers, the fact is, the team is heading in that direction. Remember, James started the year behind the 8-ball as a rookie, as he did not play much at USC as a freshman after suffering a cardiac scare.

But he seemed to catch up in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. James averaged 21.9 points, 44.3% shooting and 38.0% 3-point shooting there. 

Lakers Coach Nate McMillan: 'Get Some Minutes'

Now, assistant coach Nate McMillan, a veteran head coach himself, confirms there are plans to play Bronny James more. Speaking on “The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac” (via Silver Screen and Roll), McMillan said: 

“We’ve seen a lot of growth from Year One. He had, I thought, a really good summer league this year. A young guy like that coming in with this type of pressure that he came into the league with last year was unbelievable. ...

“He spent a lot of time in the G League this season and I really feel that helped him because when he came out into this Summer League … you could see the confidence. He was much more relaxed than he was last year. Everybody would have been as nervous as can be last season but he was much more relaxed this season.

“His shot was never broken but the confidence, you could see he was knocking down those shots, getting to the basket. Defensively, we wanted him to challenge himself to pick up the ball ... I love Bronny. Great young man and we expect him to possibly get some minutes this year.”