Bronny James' Future With Lakers Receives Concerning Update
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The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are currently going through an uncertain situation that could lead to a divorce between the two parties. That situation has brought up the question about Bronny James' future with the team if his dad ends up leaving town.
James, who was a second-round pick for the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, has not shown much just yet in his first year and change at a professional level. His offensive game has been rough at best.
Defensively, the younger James does seem to have major potential. However, would that be enough to keep him on the roster without LeBron in town?
Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a teammate scored and was fouled on the shot against the Miami Heat during the second half of the 2024 California Classic at Chase...
Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a teammate scored and was fouled on the shot against the Miami Heat during the second half of the 2024 California Classic at Chase Center on July 10, 2024 in San Francisco, California. More
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
While the questions continues swirling about Bronny's future with Los Angeles, a new update has cast doubt about the long-term outlook for the two sides.
Read more: LeBron James' Former Teammate Makes Prediction for His NBA Future
John Hollinger of The Athletic took an honest look at James' future with the Lakers. He revealed some blunt honesty that bring up concern for James if he doesn't take a huge leap in his second season.
"James has a fully guaranteed deal this year, but after that, everything is up in the air," Hollinger wrote. "If LeBron James isn't a Laker after this season, it's hard to see them keep riding with Bronny unless he's earned his stripes by then; next year's deal is only 50 percent guaranteed."
Many have suggested that James was only drafted by Los Angeles because of his dad. At times, the team has fired back against that line of thinking, stating that they believe James has NBA potential.
Should the Lakers move on from him quickly of LeBron leaves town, that would confirm the popular fan theory.
During his rookie NBA season, James played in just 27 games and made one start. He averaged 2.3 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 31.3 percent from the floor and 28.1 percent from the three-point arc.
Read more: Celtics Reveal Huge Update on Jayson Tatum's Recovery
At 20 years old, there is plenty of time for James to continue developing. The question is, does he have the talent to become a legitimate rotation piece?
In the G-League for the South Bay Lakers, James played well. He put up averages of 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals and shot 44 percent overall and 38 percent from three-point range.
Obviously, the 2025-26 season will be crucial for James' future. If he can find a way to break into the rotation, his future past his dad's career will look much better.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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