Bronny James Faces Scrutiny Amid Preseason Struggles for Lakers
The young guard is averaging 2.8 points per game and facing pressure to perform independently of his famous father.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James is experiencing a challenging preseason, averaging 2.8 points on 26.7% shooting and 3.3 assists in 17.5 minutes over four games. This performance falls short of the expectations set by his earlier play, including a 17-point outing against the Bulls in March 2025, where coach J.J. Redick noted James was close to becoming an impactful player. Redick had then stated that James needed to become an elite-conditioned athlete to maximize his potential as a shooter and impactful NBA player.
James, entering his third season, is now the third-longest tenured player on the Lakers roster and is expected to contribute more significantly. So far, his preseason statistics show more turnovers (12) than points (11).
The departure of LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency means Bronny James is no longer playing alongside his father and must establish himself independently. He acknowledged this shift during Lakers media day, stating, "He’s got his own path and I got my own... he knows that I want to make a name for myself and continue my career and keep growing as a player."
James has navigated a career path marked by both the advantages of his father's influence and significant criticism for a player drafted late in the second round. While he has demonstrated he belongs in the NBA, greater leaps in performance are necessary to quiet detractors.
Coach Redick commented on James' preseason performance, acknowledging the struggles but also attributing some of it to team dynamics. "I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices," Redick said after a loss to the Warriors. "Some of it is just rhythm, some of it’s who he’s playing with, right? He’s played a lot of minutes especially in the second half of games with our two-way guys and tonight he played with Rafael [Castro] who’s been with us for three days. So, some of it is like the group he’s with I think is not necessarily setting him up for success."
Despite these challenges, James has shown resilience, particularly after recovering from a cardiac arrest incident in 2025. His teammates and coaches reportedly value him, and he maintains a humble demeanor. However, the Lakers are aiming for their 18th championship, and James needs to demonstrate he can be a consistent difference-maker.
His name has also been notably absent from lists of preseason standouts, which include players like Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Matisse Thybulle. The Lakers have fully guaranteed James' salary for the 2026-27 season and hold a team option for 2027-28, underscoring the need for him to elevate his game and contribute to winning.