© Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesBronny James #9 stands by LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bronny James faced immense pressure during his NBA debut season. Expectations ran high as the son of LeBron James, one of basketball’s all-time greats, entered the league. However, he struggled to perform at the expected level. As a result, he transitioned to playing for the South Bay Lakers. Nevertheless, LeBron showed unwavering confidence in his son’s career, revealing that he looks to a Boston Celtics player’s journey as motivation for Bronny.

“I sent this (on) June 18, 2024…I’ll tell you who this guy is after I read this, ‘Unranked in high school. Zero D-I scholarship offers. Played three years of Division II basketball at UCCS. Transferred to Colorado. And now is an NBA champion on one of the best teams in the NBA.’ That guy is Derrick White…Hell of a player. And my message was … everybody’s road to success is different. So stay locked in and patient,” LeBron James confessed, via Mind the Game podcast.

While the criticism has been constant, Bronny James has showcased a true evolution with the South Bay Lakers, averaging an impressive 21.9 points per game. His all-around contributions, including 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, have caught the attention of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who has praised his progress on multiple occasions.

Los Angeles Lakers may have made a final decision on Bronny James’ future with the team

Despite playing a limited role during his rookie season, Bronny James may still have a future with the Los Angeles Lakers. After their season ended, head coach JJ Redick gave Bronny’s year an A+, praising how well he handled pressure and stayed committed to improving. Shortly after, a Western Conference executive told Athlon Sports that the franchise might have already made up its mind about his future.

Bronny Jamaes playing against Dallas Mavericks

Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that’s their plan (Bronny James being part of the rotation)…I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we’ve seen a lot of tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July,“ an executive said.

The upcoming offseason and preseason will be crucial for Bronny James as he looks to earn a permanent role with the Lakers. Backed by general manager Rob Pelinka’s emphasis on developing young talent, LeBron James’ son has a real opportunity to carve out a bigger role in the rotation. With Los Angeles focused on building a deeper bench, he could be in line for more meaningful minutes.