As Bronny James gears up for his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 20-year-old guard is embracing the opportunity to prove he’s more than a headline. Following a year of health setbacks, G League grind, and intense media attention, Bronny is focused on growth, earning his place, and carving out his identity in the NBA.
In July, James took to the court during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, returning to a city he admitted brings more distraction than joy. “I personally don’t like summer league at all,” James said candidly. “I like the competition and the games, but I don’t like coming to Vegas and being in Vegas.” His straightforward nature reflects a personality far removed from the flashiness often associated with second-generation superstars.
The Lakers’ Summer League campaign opened with a marquee matchup against top draft pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks. James struggled, shooting just 2-for-8 and missing a potential game-winner in the final seconds. However, in the next game against New Orleans, he bounced back with 14 points and two steals, showcasing flashes of the two-way potential the Lakers are hoping to unlock.
His NBA journey began under exceptional circumstances. Drafted 55th overall in 2024, less than a year after suffering a cardiac arrest during a USC workout, Bronny’s selection marked a historic moment: the first time a father-son duo (with LeBron James) appeared in an NBA game together. Though he’s yet to revisit the footage from that moment, he acknowledges its significance. “It was a great experience… But I’m a chill guy. I don’t really like the spotlight in big moments,” he admitted.
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Bronny saw limited NBA minutes — just 181 across 27 games — and was primarily assigned to the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. But it was during that stint, under coach Zach Guthrie, that James took on a defining role. Guthrie committed to Bronny as the team’s starting point guard and built the offense around him, repeatedly running Spain pick-and-rolls to accelerate his development.
Bronny averaged 22.8 points, 5.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting nearly 37% from three over South Bay’s final seven games. Those numbers helped silence critics who had labeled his selection as nepotism. For Guthrie, the emphasis was clear: offensive reps, defensive accountability, and relentless conditioning.
“I’m going to hold you to a crazy standard,” Guthrie told him early on. “You’re going to play to exhaustion.”
Head coach JJ Redick, who took over the Lakers midseason, has been closely tracking Bronny’s progress. Redick emphasizes that elite fitness is the key to Bronny’s next step. “That’s the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he’s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA.”
Comparisons have been drawn to defensive workhorses like Davion Mitchell and T.J. McConnell — guards who disrupt games on both ends of the court with their intensity and stamina. Redick sees that potential in Bronny but knows it requires durability and a tireless motor.
Yet Bronny’s journey has been about more than just on-court development. After undergoing heart surgery in July 2023, he continues to navigate the physical aftereffects, including a weakened immune system. These challenges have interrupted his conditioning at times, most recently causing him to miss games at the California Classic earlier this summer.
Still, the Lakers are encouraged by his progress. Gabe Vincent, a veteran guard and mentor, has become one of Bronny’s biggest supporters. “Having the game taken away from you at a younger age… gives you a different kind of belief in yourself,” Vincent said. “He’s got a chip on his shoulder, and that’s a good thing.”
Bronny’s approach to improvement now mirrors the discipline of his father. His training regimen includes grueling cardio intervals, late-night recovery sessions, and shooting drills that finish with 105-shot routines — aiming for an 80-shot target. He’s also dedicated to improving his defense, a non-negotiable requirement from both Redick and Guthrie.
His increased confidence showed in summer league games, where he took on the task of guarding high-profile players like New Orleans’ Jeremiah Fears, helping limit him to a rough shooting night. “After that game, I just texted him, ‘I liked what I saw,’” Vincent said. “He was aggressive. He was on the main guy.”
One of Bronny’s breakthrough moments came during the final game of the 2024–25 regular season. With most Lakers starters resting, he earned his first career start against the Trail Blazers. After a poor first half, Redick challenged him at halftime. “My belief in you can’t be higher than your belief in yourself,” Redick told him.
Bronny responded with renewed intensity. It was a small but pivotal moment in a season filled with lessons, growth, and resilience.
As the Lakers prepare for training camp, Bronny remains a question mark in the rotation. But one thing is clear: his focus is unwavering. He’s not chasing viral moments or living in the shadow of his last name. He’s laying the groundwork — day by day, rep by rep.
“My confidence level is, for sure, taking a leap,” Bronny said. And for the Lakers, that might be just what they need.
