Bronny James Abysmal Start to The Season Has Fans Calling For Lakers To Move On
The start of the 2025-26 NBA season has been challenging for second-year Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James. Through the first few games, the son of superstar LeBron James has failed to make a significant impact on the court, leading to increased scrutiny from fans and analysts about his place on the roster. In a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, James went scoreless in 20 minutes of action, a performance that highlighted his ongoing offensive difficulties. Currently, he is averaging 0.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in limited playing time, and has yet to score a field goal this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Bronny James’ Struggles
Bronny’s struggles are not a new development. His difficulties extend back to the preseason, where he averaged just 6.8 points on a meager 25% shooting from the floor. Once considered a promising shooter, he has found it difficult to connect from long range at the professional level, shooting just 15.4% from three-point land during the preseason. These numbers, combined with a high turnover rate, have intensified the debate over whether he is ready for an NBA role. Critics, including former NBA player Kwame Brown, have pointed to his presence on the roster as a case of nepotism, arguing that other, more deserving players are being overlooked.
Roster Implications for the Lakers
The conversation around Bronny James is not just about his individual performance; it has real implications for the Lakers’ roster construction. With a guaranteed contract of $1.95 million for this season, Bronny is occupying a valuable roster spot. Some analysts, like Tyler Watts of LakeShowLife, have argued that the team should move on from him, especially considering the franchise is hard-capped and lacks the flexibility to fill out its roster. The team already waived RJ Davis, a player who arguably had a better preseason, due to his non-guaranteed contract. The sentiment among a growing portion of the fanbase is that Bronny’s development should not come at the expense of the team’s immediate competitive needs.
What’s Next for Bronny and the Lakers?
The Lakers face a difficult situation. While the organization likely wants to give the 21-year-old time to develop, his on-court performance has not justified his minutes. The pressure is mounting as every possession and roster spot is critical for a team with championship aspirations. Bronny James has a guaranteed contract for next season, but the Lakers hold a team option for 2027-28, giving them an eventual out. For now, the question remains whether he can turn his performance around and prove he belongs in the NBA on his own merit, or if the Lakers will be forced to make a tough decision sooner rather than later.
