NBA Insider Makes Daring Prediction About Bronny James’ Position Subsequent Season With Lakers and Profession Trajectory

The Los Angeles Lakers drafting Bronny James introduced pleasure to the NBA, because it marked the primary time in league historical past {that a} father and son shared the court docket. However that pleasure solely lasts so lengthy.

Now, it’s on James to show he belongs within the league. He bought some leeway in his rookie yr as a result of he was a late second-round choose. Subsequent yr, issues may change, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin made a daring prediction about James’ position with the Lakers subsequent season.

How Bronny James Could Fare in Yr 2

Throughout his look on the “Hear District” podcast, McMenamin outlined how James may issue into the Lakers’ rotation subsequent season.

“I believe he could possibly be a rotation participant by midseason subsequent yr if he continues this trajectory,” McMenamin stated. “… It was a highlight in each single second, and he discovered a strategy to push by way of it and had a really profitable G-League season. He averaged 21 [21.9] factors per recreation on good capturing percentages.”

James appeared in 27 video games throughout the common season, averaging 2.3 factors, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 rebounds per contest. He scored a career-high 17 factors in half-hour in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks in March.

McMenamin additionally defined what James wants to enhance to turn into a rotation participant for the Lakers throughout the 2025-26 season.

“Definitely, his exterior shot wants work as a result of he’s going to must constantly hit the three to get minutes with this group, particularly with Luka (Dončić) and LeBron (James) with the ability to unfold the ball out to shooters.

“He’s an elite athlete, however his motor isn’t at all times in your face. When he makes use of his athleticism to hawk the ball, to get within the passing lanes, to go and take the cost, to have a chasedown block, he can actually influence the sport defensively, too,” McMenamin stated.

The Lakers are coming off their second straight first-round playoff exit by way of a gentleman’s sweep — this time in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was clear they wanted extra assist in the frontcourt. That’s why it wouldn’t be stunning in the event that they attempt to add one other large man, doubtlessly at the price of guard or wing depth.

If that occurs, James could also be thrust into an even bigger position with the group, and the stress will likely be on him to thrive. The Lakers don’t have a lot time left along with his dad, so if James proves he is usually a rotation participant on a playoff group like them, that could possibly be an enormous enhance for his or her playoff and title probabilities.