Preseason is Bronny James’ last hope for a meaningful role

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason opener, Bronny James scored eight points with limited efficiency in Los Angeles’ 103-81 loss to Phoenix, while LeBron James and Luka Doncic sat out. The stat line belies the adversity: Bronny went 1-for-12 from the field, though he also chipped in five rebounds and two assists.

In game two, he showed more offensive presence. Bronny put up five points, three rebounds, two assists in the Lakers’ 111–103 defeat to Golden State. Those were modest numbers, but they contrast with the bleak stat line of the opener and suggest he’s trying to find footing.

Bronny’s regular-season contributions last season were minimal: in 27 games, he averaged just 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 6.7 minutes per game, shooting 31.3 percent overall. His real chance to change that narrative is now — in preseason, where coaches have flexibility and rosters are malleable.

Why this preseason is his final audition

The Lakers must decide if Bronny a core piece or a holdover. Despite having two guaranteed years on his contract after 2025–26, that doesn’t assure a rotation spot. If Bronny doesn’t prove that he belongs, the franchise may view him as expendable, especially when new players or draft assets emerge.

This preseason is when Bronny needs to earn more than goodwill. He must turn those 12-shot struggles into reliable looks, show consistent decision making and prove he can defend and contribute in ways that matter. Because once LeBron is gone, the Lakers can reconfigure ceilings and priorities — and Bronny will need a compelling case not to be pushed off.

If Bronny can’t slip into the rotation this year, he risks fading into irrelevance. Roster spots will be premium, especially for wings who can shoot, defend and create. Every small run or defensive possession he earns now anchors him in decision makers’ minds. Fail, and Bronny's basketball identity will be viewed as little more than LeBron's son.

What’s riding on 2025–26

Bronny has to shift perceptions. Right now, he’s a developmental piece, someone with upside but limited proof. The Lakers have already shown they are serious in evaluating him, giving him extended minutes while veterans sit and publicly noting his offseason growth.  But praise only goes so far.

If he can string together a stretch of reliable shooting, clean passing and defensive effort, he will show he can be trusted when LeBron no longer commands ball usage. If he stumbles again — cold shooting, sloppy turnovers, defensive miscues — it will be hard for the front office to justify keeping him in the rotation over more polished wings.

He doesn’t need to dominate. He just needs to show he can matter. That he can be more than a storyline. Because once the Lakers transition fully out of the LeBron era, they’ll need every player in the rotation to have merit, not potential. And for Bronny, this preseason may be the one shot to ensure his role in that new chapter.