Why Lakers could expect Bronny James to have bigger role next season

And it’s not just about hype. Los Angeles has real reasons to consider Bronny for a meaningful role, especially with how the roster is shaping up. 

They brought in Marcus Smart this offseason to shore up the perimeter defense after losing Dorian Finney-Smith and waiving Jordan Goodwin. Smart is a former Defensive Player of the Year, but he played just 34 games last season and hasn’t had a fully healthy year in a while. If Smart misses time — as has been the case in recent seasons — there’s not much behind him.

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are both excellent offensive players, but neither is known for their defensive chops. And LeBron James, while still capable in spurts, isn’t the defensive force he once was at 40 years old. That leaves a pretty wide opening in the backcourt for a young player who can bring energy, effort and defense.

Even before the Summer League, Bronny showed flashes in the G-League with averages of 21.9 points, 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals in 11 games. That stat line was a surprise for a rookie still finding his footing after a challenging year with health concerns. He still takes tough shots and forces the action sometimes, but he’s not afraid of the moment, and defensively, he competes every possession.

With Dalton Knecht struggling to impress and second-round pick Adou Thiero still extremely raw, Bronny’s defensive upside might give him the edge in minutes. Thiero, while athletic and intriguing, didn’t show enough polish or consistency this summer to demand rotation minutes. And while Knecht may eventually figure it out, right now the Lakers are in win-now mode with very little patience for learning curves.

The most intriguing part of all this is Smart’s potential impact as a mentor. If there’s anyone in the league who can help mold Bronny into a high-level defensive guard, it’s Smart. Their games aren’t identical, but Bronny’s willingness to defend, combined with his athleticism and instincts, mirrors the early career of Smart. With the proper guidance and steady improvement, it’s not crazy to think that Bronny could eventually evolve into a similar type of role player — maybe even a defensive starter.

At the very least, the Lakers need someone to fill that defensive void off the bench, and if Bronny proves he can stay disciplined and continue to learn, he might not just play — he might stick.

This season might be Bronny’s best chance to prove that he belongs. The roster context, his growth and the mentorship structure are all in place. Now it’s just a matter of continuing to put in the work — and being ready when his number is called.