Bronny James and his season with the Lakers after LeBron's departure

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a season with many new faces, but one of the players generating the most interest for the upcoming season is precisely one who already knows the franchise: Bronny James. The son of LeBron James will be entering his third year in the NBA with an increasingly clear mission: to turn his development into performance on the court.

During the summer, one of the few questions surrounding Bronny was the possibility that the Lakers would include him in some trade, either before or after LeBron James resolved his future. In the end, the franchise decided to keep the young guard, who is focused on earning a role within the rotation again. And this time, the expectations will be higher.

Bronny James is clear about what his role will be

In a recent radio interview with Mason & Ireland from ESPN Los Angeles, Bronny explained what he is working on during the summer and made it clear that his goal is to become a player capable of contributing in different aspects.

"In every aspect, I'm trying to improve. I keep playing with Luka and AR, so I’m going to be off the ball. When needed, I have to be able to score and create for others, and I think I’ve been doing that well this summer."

The Lakers' configuration suggests that Bronny will have a more defined role this season. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves taking on a good part of the ball-handling responsibility, James will need to develop his skills as a off-ball guard, taking advantage of his opportunities as a shooter and exploiting the spaces created by the team's star players. This is precisely where he has focused much of his work during the summer.

Bronny also explained how he imagines the player he can become in the NBA: "I feel like I can be a secondary ball handler for Luka and AR and generate any type of offense. Catch-and-shoot, play pick-and-roll, and things like that. I consider myself a complete player and whatever is needed, I am ready."

The third year can be decisive

The context has changed for Bronny James. After two seasons primarily focused on development, the margin for expecting results is starting to diminish.

The Lakers have numerous options at the perimeter positions, both veteran players and young ones who are also looking to carve out a spot in the rotation. Additionally, the franchise has a team option for the next season, making this season especially important for James's future in Los Angeles.

His mindset during the summer seems to be the right one. Bronny understands that he will have to be able to play off the ball, score when he receives open shots, create plays in certain situations, and adapt to what the team needs.

Now he needs to transfer all that work to the games. The goal for his third year will not simply be to show progress. Bronny James needs to start making a real impact on the Lakers. If he manages to turn his development into quality minutes and consistent production, he could begin to solidify his place in the NBA. Otherwise, the competition on the perimeter in Los Angeles could seriously complicate his future options.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Bronny James y su temporada en los Lakers tras la marcha de LeBron