Bronny James Is Out to Silence the Doubters — But Can He Truly Earn His Spot in the Lakers’ Rotation?

Training camp for the 2025‑26 NBA season is fast approaching, and the Los Angeles Lakers are being scrutinized intensely. Although the roster doesn’t yet look like an obvious championship contender, there is enough upside among the young players to cause some surprises. At the center of many conversations is Bronny James, son of LeBron James, who remains under pressure to prove himself worthy of consistent rotation minutes.

Bronny is under a standard contract with the Lakers, and many believe this season could mark a turning point. Here are three specific goals Bronny should aim for if he wants to secure a spot in the Lakers’ core rotation.

Goal 1: Raise His Shooting Consistency, Especially Catch & Shoot Threes

One of the biggest criticisms of Bronny James so far has been inconsistency in shooting, particularly from three-point range when coming off screens or passes. He has shown flashes—he made 38% of his three-point attempts in the G League last season—indicating there is raw potential. However, his percentage in college at the University of Southern California was much lower, closer to 26.7% from three, and even lower (about 19.6%) on catch-and-shoot threes.

Improving this aspect of his game will require dedicated practice—working on footwork, release speed, shot mechanics, and mental readiness to get open shots without needing to dribble first. For the Lakers, a reliable shooter off the bench can shift defensive schemes and open opportunities for star players. Bronny must prove he can knock down those open looks with consistency in both practice settings and in limited in-game minutes.

Goal 2: Develop Reliable Scoring Off the Dribble and Attack in the Paint

If Bronny wants to move beyond being a role player who only spots up on the perimeter, he must become capable of creating his own shot—especially off the dribble— and finish strong in the paint. NBA defenses are faster and more physical than those in college or G League, meaning that hesitation or weak finishes will be exposed.

He has shown some ability to hit threes off the dribble, which is encouraging. But the next step is using that skill to draw defenders, collapse the paint, and either finish at the rim or find open teammates. Effective penetration off-the-dribble also sets up playmaking opportunities. It signals that a player can help move the offense, not just wait for opportunities.

Goal 3: Refine Defensive Impact to Earn Coach’s Trust

Many scouts and analysts believe defense is Bronny James’ strongest initial claim at playing time. He has solid instincts, especially in staying in front of guards and reading passing lanes. His physical makeup—standing 6‑foot‑3 with a wingspan around 6‑foot‑7.5 and a vertical leap approaching 40.5 inches—gives him tools to be disruptive.

But good tools are not enough. He must polish his defensive mechanics, avoid lapses, and show consistency night in and night out. In a memorable game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, he was given 15 minutes off the bench but was repeatedly outplayed by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 43 points. Those kinds of performances emphasize what Bronny must adjust: positioning, strength, decision‑making under pressure.

Training camp and preseason games are his chances to show readiness. If Bronny can demonstrate strong play in defensive drills, pick‑and‑roll coverages, and one‑on‑one matchups, then the coaching staff has fewer reasons to leave him out of the rotation.

Why These Goals Matter for Bronny and the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers roster is in a transitional period. With LeBron James still a central figure, and veterans around him, there is room for young players to grow—but only if they earn it. The Lakers need depth, especially if injuries or rest days come into play. A reliable rotational guard who can shoot, defend, and occasionally create offense would be valuable.

Bronny’s growth could also change locker room dynamics. If he hits these improvement targets, he could force a positional battle at training camp. There are players already in the rotation or expected to be, but competition is healthy for the team. Coaches often reward those who show improvement, consistency, and a strong work ethic.

Fans are watching too. Bronny’s performances in the Summer League, his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, and when he gets NBA minutes, are all being scrutinized. Every catch‑and‑shoot three, every defensive stop, and every drive to the hoop adds to his case.

What We’ve Seen So Far: Signs of Promise and Areas to Improve

Bronny’s rookie season had its challenges. In limited NBA minutes, his scoring averages were low, and his shot selection and shooting percentages were inconsistent. In the G League, however, he had standout games—once scoring 31 points in a single matchup, showing he can carry offensive load when given opportunity. That type of performance suggests potential.

Summer League outings also showed improvement: better handle, more assertive defense, moments of confident shot selection. But there were also turnovers, lapses in defensive positioning, and occasional struggles when facing stronger, more physical opponents.

Conditioning appears to be a key focus. Several reports suggest Bronny has worked on strength, stamina, and physicality during the offseason. Improving conditioning will help in late game situations, allow him to stay engaged on both ends, and reduce mistakes born of fatigue.

Can He Crack the Rotation? What Bronze‑Line Looks Like

To see Bronny in the Lakers’ core rotation, he likely needs to satisfy these criteria:

He must earn trust in defensive assignments and avoid being a liability in crunch time.

He needs to shoot threes at least at league‑average rate (around 35‑37%) when off the catch.

He must show he can attack the basket or create for others in some possessions.

He has to stay physically ready—the kind of athlete who can handle back‑to‑backs, practice minutes, and bench contributions.

If training camp and preseason reveal he is doing all or most of those things, Bronny has a real chance to move from fringe player to regular rotation guard.

Risks and Challenges Ahead

There are several challenges for Bronny James. One is the pressure of expectations—both real and perceived—being LeBron James’ son. That brings scrutiny. Another is consistency: flashes are good, but coaches want reliability.

Another challenge is roster competition. The Lakers are expected to field veterans and role players who have proven reliability. Breaking into that mix is harder when roster spots are tight.

Also, injury risk, mental pressure, and physical demands will test him. Transitioning from G League or Summer League to consistent NBA minutes is a big leap.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Bronny James has potential, and his work in offseason, Summer League, and G League has shown signs of growth. The 2025‑26 NBA training camp represents a critical window for him to achieve the three goals of improved shooting (especially catch‑and‑shoot threes), stronger scoring off the dribble and in the paint, and refined defense.

If he hits those milestones, he could contend for consistent minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation this season. Even if he does not immediately become a starter, becoming a reliable bench option who can contribute in multiple facets will already be a win.

Fans and analysts will be watching. Bronny’s progress matters not just for his career, but for the Lakers’ depth and potential surprises in the league. The story of Brown’s ascent is just beginning—and the journey through training camp could define where he stands in the seasons to come.