After an up-and-down NBA Summer League showing, Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James is eyeing a long-term spot in JJ Redick’s rotation—but health and conditioning remain key hurdles in his development.
James, who made history last October by becoming part of the league’s first-ever father-son duo alongside LeBron James, spent much of his rookie season shuttling between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. That will likely remain the case early in Year 2, but there’s growing optimism about his trajectory.
“The biggest thing for Bronny is that he has to get in elite shape,” Redick told ESPN. “That’s the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he’s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA.”
That goal has been complicated by the lingering effects of the cardiac arrest James suffered in July 2023, just before his freshman season at USC. Although doctors determined he had a treatable congenital heart defect, Bronny has acknowledged ongoing issues with his immune system.
“I get kind of sick easier now,” James told ESPN earlier this month. “Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So, I would have times where I have to sit out, and that conditioning that I’m working on just goes away in that week of me being out.”
James was sidelined for the first game of the California Classic this summer with an illness but returned to score 10 points in 11 minutes during his next outing. Lakers athletic trainer Mike Mancias noted that while setbacks are expected, James’ youth and physical condition should help him bounce back more quickly than most.
“Anytime you have a situation like this, it takes some time for the body’s collaborative immune system to build back up,” Mancias said. “It’s very normal to have even elite athletes experience this. But because of Bronny’s age and condition, it [will happen] even faster.”
In Las Vegas, James showed flashes of two-way potential, drawing praise for his defensive instincts and improved shooting. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the 19-year-old is determined to earn a rotation role with the Lakers at some point during the upcoming season.
While critics initially questioned the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny, much of that noise has faded. Now, it’s about growth, conditioning, and proving he belongs—something those around the team believe is within reach.
