Bronny James aims for a spot in the Lakers rotation for 2025-2026
Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) look on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Goals and development of Bronny James. LeBron James’ 20-year-old son aims to establish himself in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation during his second NBA season after a challenging rookie year marked by physical and mental challenges.
Bronny James doesn’t hide his ambitions for the 2025-2026 season. The young Lakers guard, selected 55th in the 2024 draft, now aims for a regular spot in coach JJ Redick’s rotation after a learning first year in NBA.
« My confidence level has definitely jumped, » James told ESPN, illustrating his progress since his professional debut marked by the historic father-son duo against the Minnesota Timberwolves last October.
A rookie season marked by a turning point in Philadelphia
Bronny James’ first season hasn’t been smooth sailing. In 27 games for only 181 minutes of play, the young player alternated between the first team and the G League’s South Bay Lakers. The most difficult moment came on January 28 during a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
« It was definitely like: ‘OK, this is where I am now, I just need to be better,' » James explained after that performance where he finished 0/5 shooting in 15 minutes. « I need to get in the gym, get extra shots up, work on my body, work on my IQ, watch film, those types of things with the coaches. So it was definitely an eye-opener for me. »
This painful experience proved beneficial. « It was definitely an experience I needed to go through, » he added, showing his maturity in facing adversity.
Physical challenges related to his cardiac arrest
Beyond technical aspects, Bronny James must deal with the aftermath of the cardiac arrest he suffered during a summer workout before his first year at USC. This ordeal continues to impact his physical performance.
« I get sick more easily now, » revealed the 6’2″ player. « Which is a little weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So I have times where I have to stop, and that conditioning I’m working on goes away during that week off. »
Coach JJ Redick identified physical condition as the main hurdle for James: « The most important thing for Bronny is he has to be in elite shape. That’s the barrier to entry for him right now. And if he gets there, I think he has a chance to be a really fantastic NBA player. »
Despite these challenges, signs of progress are encouraging. During Summer League, James showed renewed confidence with a spectacular dunk against the Miami Heat. « Last year, I probably would have had a little finger roll finish that grazes the rim, like a layup, » he analyzed, demonstrating his mental and physical evolution.
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