The Los Angeles Lakers could be ready to elevate the improving guard next season.
G-League star Bronny James expected to earn NBA call-up, join father in Lakers’ 2025-26 rotation originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Los Angeles Lakers officially ushered in a new era when the franchise inked ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić to a 3-year, $165 million contract extension on Aug. 2.
Dončić now holds the keys to the organization, but Los Angeles' plans for the future may also include the presence of their former No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James.
James authored a sensational campaign as a member of the G-League's South Bay Lakers in 2024-25, and a recent statement from a respected voice in the main NBA franchise's locker room has indicated that he can receive a well-deserved promotion sooner rather than later.
"I love Bronny," Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan shared during a Tuesday appearance on The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac hosted by D'Errol Reese and Kevin "K-Mac" McClendon.
"Great, great young man and, you know, we expect him to possibly get some minutes this year."
In 11 appearances during his rookie season for the Lakers' South Bay affiliate, James exploded onto the scene by contributing 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists while knocking down 38.0% of his 8.4 looks from three-point range.
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James also posted an impressive 0.4 defensive win shares to go along with 1.9 steals, effectively displaying his immense defensive potential.
At just 20 years old, James may begin his sophomore season with South Bay, but McMillan and the rest of the Lakers' coaching staff surely would like to throw the late second-round pick into their nightly rotation in a limited role.
The former second-round pick competed in 27 games for the Lakers' main franchise last season, averaging 2.3 points and 0.8 assists in just 6.7 minutes.
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