LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, but Bronny James will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 campaign. This upcoming season will be important for Bronny to establish himself as a consistent, rotation-caliber player in the NBA.
Bronny James Faces Critical Third Season After LeBron James’ Departure
Bronny signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers after they drafted him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft. His contract was not fully guaranteed entering next season until the Lakers changed that on June 29. The 21-year-old is now set to make $2.3 million in his third campaign.
This upcoming season could be the most important of Bronny’s career because the Lakers hold a $2.5 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign, meaning he could become a free agent next summer. Bronny must improve his game and prove he provides more value on the roster than the financial flexibility his departure could create.
NBA Lead Editor at FanSided, Tyler Watts, broke down this situation.
“The Los Angeles Lakers know this is a make-or-break season for Bronny James. The 21-year-old guard is nearing the end of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 if the franchise doesn’t extend him. Bronny has to earn a second contract by improving his game,” Watts wrote.
Bronny played 42 games last season and averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in only 8.9 minutes per game. He increased his 3-point percentage from 28.1% in his rookie campaign to 38.6% last season, but he only took 1.4 attempts per contest. This number must jump for Bronny to reach new offensive heights.
Bronny’s outside shooting and individual shot creation were question marks before he entered the league. He must make himself a bigger threat from deep to force defenses to close out on him. This would allow him to use his quick burst off the dribble and athleticism to blow by defenders on drives to the rim.
This skill set gives him the tools to become a solid defender against smaller, shifty guards. If he struggles offensively, he must rely on his defense to carve out a bigger rotation role.
Bronny Seems Safe Amid Lakers’ Roster Crunch
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote last month that the Lakers’ staff “has a fondness for [Bronny].” These comments put him in a good position to demonstrate his value. However, Los Angeles has 16 players on the roster with just 15 available spots before the season starts.
Someone is going to be the odd man out, but according to Watts, it does not appear Bronny is at risk of getting cut.
“There is no word of Bronny being on the chopping block. Los Angeles is looking to move on from Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, or Jaden Hardy,” Watts wrote.
Vanderbilt’s name has floated around all offseason in potential Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trades. Kuminga has yet to find a home for the 2026-27 campaign, so this deal could materialize.
However, one thing seems certain next season- Bronny will have a chance to prove to the coaching staff and organization that he belongs on an NBA roster.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.