Bronny James Has Something No Other Lakers Player Has – And It Could Change a Season

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again gearing up for a high-stakes NBA season. With an aging core led by LeBron James and high expectations from a title-hungry fan base, the pressure to find new solutions is mounting. One player generating quiet but growing buzz is none other than Bronny James. The 20-year-old rookie guard brings something this current Lakers roster sorely lacks—raw athleticism, quickness, and untapped potential.

While the Lakers boast experience and size, they have noticeably fallen behind in one area: athleticism. That’s where Bronny James enters the conversation. His ability to get up and down the floor, defend with speed, and add energy off the bench could provide Los Angeles with a unique spark. In short, Bronny James offers the Lakers something no other player does.

What the Lakers Are Missing in Their Rotation

The 2025 Lakers have a clear weakness—perimeter defense and speed. The Western Conference is stacked with elite point guards, many of whom rely on quickness, crafty handles, and explosive drives. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, and De’Aaron Fox present a constant challenge. Right now, the Lakers simply don’t have many viable answers for them on the defensive end.

Marcus Smart, while still a capable veteran, has shown signs of decline since leaving Boston. His ability to stay on the floor is now in question. Meanwhile, the likes of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jake LaRavia are solid contributors but lack the lateral quickness and foot speed needed to stay in front of the NBA’s top guards.

That’s why Bronny has something the Lakers lack—youthful athleticism and raw defensive potential. He’s shown flashes of that in Summer League, getting out in transition, blocking shots, and moving well laterally. For a team that needs fresh legs and defensive tenacity, Bronny could be the key to plugging a significant hole in the rotation.

Summer League: Glimpses of Potential

In the 2025 NBA Summer League, Bronny James didn’t stuff the stat sheet, but he turned heads with moments that showcased his elite athleticism. Whether it was a monster dunk or blowing past his defender with explosive first-step quickness, Bronny made plays that are simply not common among rookies—especially those taken late in the draft.

More importantly, he played within himself. He moved the ball, defended hard, and showed willingness to learn. Head coach JJ Redick has been clear in his expectations, urging Bronny to model his game after proven undersized players who’ve succeeded through energy, toughness, and athleticism. Redick understands that Bronny James offers the athleticism the Lakers do not have elsewhere, and he intends to tap into it.

A Role Waiting to Be Earned

As the Lakers aim for another deep playoff run, rotation spots are still up for grabs. One glaring opportunity lies behind starting point guard D’Angelo Russell. Gabe Vincent, who struggled in his first year with Los Angeles, has yet to find consistency and may fall out of favor if his performance doesn’t improve. That opens the door for Bronny.

Bronny James could step into a backup guard role that requires handling the ball, defending opposing point guards, and injecting pace into the second unit. These are all areas where he’s shown potential. If he continues on his current developmental path, there’s a realistic scenario in which Bronny is more effective than Vincent by the end of the season.

This shift wouldn’t just be symbolic—it could be strategic. Redick and the Lakers’ front office have emphasized the need for lineup flexibility. After acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade, LA leaned heavily into small-ball lineups. That approach worked in spurts but exposed their lack of interior dominance and speed. Enter Deandre Ayton to help control the paint, and potentially Bronny to ignite the perimeter defense.

Versatility Is the Key to Contention

If the Lakers are serious about title contention, they must be able to play in different styles. Recent champions like the Celtics and Thunder showed that versatility and adaptability are essential ingredients in a deep playoff run. One of the ways to increase lineup versatility is by adding athletic perimeter defenders who can also contribute offensively. Bronny may not be ready to start, but giving him minutes could unlock a new dimension for LA.

The modern NBA requires teams to throw different looks on both ends of the floor. The Lakers can’t rely solely on LeBron’s brilliance or AD’s interior presence. They need spark, defensive effort, and transition opportunities. Bronny fits that mold, even if he’s still early in his development curve.

Managing Expectations: A Long-Term Perspective

Despite the growing excitement, it’s important for Lakers fans to manage their expectations. Bronny is just 20 years old and is still refining major parts of his game—most notably his outside shooting, decision-making, and consistency on defense. He’s not his father and never will be. What he brings is different, and that’s okay.

JJ Redick, a former player himself, understands the developmental timeline and has emphasized patience. Bronny is not expected to carry the team or even play heavy minutes out of the gate. His role, for now, is to provide energy, absorb knowledge, and earn his place the hard way—through defense, hustle, and team-first basketball.

Still, the signs are encouraging. Bronny has shown a commitment to improving, the coaching staff believes in him, and the front office is investing in lineup versatility. These are all positive indicators that the Lakers see Bronny James as more than just a legacy pick. He’s a developing player with real potential.

Looking Ahead: The Leagues Cup Final Comparison

As sports fans across the country turn their attention to the Leagues Cup final: Will Seattle Sounders or Inter Miami lift the trophy?, it’s clear that versatility and star power are becoming central themes across all sports. Much like Inter Miami relying on key moments of brilliance from their top talent, or Seattle leaning into their depth and organization, NBA teams must find the right balance between established stars and emerging contributors.

The Lakers are no different. While LeBron James remains the face of the franchise, the team’s future success will hinge on younger players stepping into meaningful roles. Bronny’s emergence as a potential two-way contributor could be one of the surprise developments of the season.

Final Thoughts: A New Era, A New Identity

The 2025-26 NBA season represents a turning point for the Lakers. With JJ Redick now calling the shots from the sidelines and a roster that blends veteran leadership with youthful energy, there’s a real opportunity to reshape the team’s identity.

Bronny James may not yet be a household name on the court, but what he brings to the Lakers is both rare and necessary—athleticism, effort, and a willingness to defend. Those attributes could earn him valuable minutes and help fill one of the Lakers’ most critical needs.

He’s not a savior, and he doesn’t need to be. But in a league where every edge matters, Bronny James offers the Lakers something no other player does—and that might be enough to make a real difference.