Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Mike Bresnahan addresses Bronny James performance for LA Lakers, possible role for 2025-26

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 2:30 PM ET

Bronny James created headlines during the Summer League matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

It was not just for facing number one pick Cooper Flagg, but for his tenacious defensive performance. The young Lakers guard showed hustle and determination while guarding the generational talent.

Flagg struggled significantly under Bronny’s defensive pressure, managing only 10 points on a terrible 23.8% shooting performance.

The Duke product failed to connect on any of his five three-point attempts, marking a difficult debut against determined defense.

Offensive struggles can’t overshadow defensive breakthrough performance

Bronny James faced his own offensive challenges, scoring just eight points on 25% shooting. His missed three-pointer in the final seconds that could have secured victory for the Lakers highlighted his shooting inconsistencies.

Despite the offensive struggles, Bronny’s defensive effort against a player labeled as generational created significant praise.

He showed a lot of promise in the area that he really wants to improve. Lakers analyst Mike Bresnahan said that Bronny has a lot of confidence in the moments that matter most.

“I did like, Bronny taking that last shot, Lakers down, winding down eight seconds left, when he got the ball in his hands above the arc. He’s like, ‘this is my shot’. He didn’t make it but the mindset, yeah, let’s win the game. I’m going to do this.”

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Mike Bresnahan sees increased strength and conditioning improvements

Bresnahan noticed significant physical development since the Lakers’ season ended.

“And talking to him last week, he’s a very confident young man, and he’s been working on stuff just in a few months since the Lakers season ended, and we saw a good glimpse of that. You can tell there’s more strength there, and he’s played about 21-22 minutes.”

The analyst believes Bronny’s improved conditioning signals expectations for a bigger role next season. The 20-year-old guard’s focus on physical preparation suggests he’s preparing for increased responsibilities.

“He was very, very upfront. I said, what have you worked on the most since we last saw you? ‘Conditioning’ is what he said.

“So maybe he’s expecting a bigger role for the Lakers, or at least hoping for a bigger role,” Bresnahan explained.

Rookie season growth suggests potential for expanded minutes

Bronny’s rookie campaign produced unpromising numbers: 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.3 steals per game. However, his development trajectory showed promise throughout the season.

The guard demonstrated improvement during his G League stint and recorded his first double-digit NBA game with 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks last March. These flashes of potential suggest room for growth in his second season.

If Bronny continues developing his defensive intensity while sharpening his shooting mechanics, he could earn more playing time alongside his father LeBron James next season.

The Summer League performance against Flagg provides a foundation for optimism about his defensive ceiling.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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