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Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic Will Have to Take on Certain Defensive Challenges, 3x Champion Says 3 Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

'My Main Focus Right Now' – Bronny James Speaks on the Lakers’ Demands From Him in Year 2

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 8:16 AM ET

Bronny James‘ rookie year was closely monitored by fans, especially die-hard supporters of the Los Angeles Lakers. As a 55th pick, James had a lot of attention, mainly because he’s the son of four-time NBA champion LeBron James. The former USC guard was limited to 27 games in the regular season, averaging 2.3 points on 28.1 percent shooting from deep. For the rest of the season, he was part of the team’s G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

The younger James is preparing for his sophomore season and has been active in the Lakers’ Summer League games. On Monday, the team had a 67-58 loss against their city rival, the Los Angeles Clippers. Although the team lost, the son of the four-time MVP still showed promise with his performance.

The 6-foot-2 guard had 17 points, five rebounds and five assists on 60 percent shooting from the field. Even with an outstanding offensive performance, James revealed that offense isn’t what the team demands from him in his sophomore season.

“I’m just trying to play my game,” James said about his performance. “Be as aggressive as I can but being smart in the process and getting my teammates involved. It’s working out so far, I’mma keep doing that.

James said that the Lakers are demanding more from him on the defensive end, while maintaining an aggressive approach on the offensive end.

“Been talking about being a pest on the defensive end, so that’s probably my main focus right now. But also, just being myself and being aggressive on the offensive end. They just want me to come out and be myself.”

Last season, Bronny James showed how smart of a defender he is. With his time in the G-League and a promising outing in the Summer League, many expect James to have a better second year.

Bronny James gets praised by an ESPN analyst

Lakers Insider Talks About 1 Shocking Thing That Will Impact Bronny James' G League Tenure 3 TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 1: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 1, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. James made his G-League debut on November 10, 2024. Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images

During Bronny James’ rookie year, he was heavily criticized by the media. Often, his games were monitored and brought to light, good or bad. During this year’s Summer League games, there’s still some level of attention on James.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently revealed how much he liked James’ recent performances this summer.

“You’re gonna look at his box score the last two games, it’s 7 for 18, he scored 22 points. What’s impressed me the most is his defense,” Marks said (4:05).

“That’s going to be his calling card as far as for him to get to the NBA from a defensive angle, in a thin Laker backcourt.”

With his underwhelming rookie year behind him, Bronny James is focused on improving his game on both ends for the Lakers. This could be the year he gets consistent minutes in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Drops 4-Word Hint On Steph Curry Team-Up 3 LeBron James and Bronny James warm up before the Lakers game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 15, 2024. Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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