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Without LeBron James, Bronny has chance to prove he really belongs

The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason kicked off with a subtle but significant moment for Bronny James, who now faces his biggest opportunity yet to establish himself as a legitimate NBA player without his father’s shadow. LeBron James’ departure to the 76ers in free agency has cleared the way for Bronny, now 22 and entering his third season, to step into a more prominent role.

Though his preseason debut against the Kings—three points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block in 16 minutes—wasn’t flashy, it marked a step forward in his journey to prove consistency and reliability. Beyond stats, Bronny has spent the offseason refining his defensive instincts and jump shot, emphasizing fluidity and speed in his release, while maintaining his lean, athletic frame to improve mobility.

His rookie season included a standout 17-point performance against the Bucks, and last year he earned playoff minutes against the Rockets and Thunder, further building his credentials. With LeBron gone, Bronny has openly embraced the chance to carve his own path, telling media he’s focused on growth and making a name for himself independently of his father’s legacy.

The challenge now is whether he can translate offseason work into sustained on-court impact this season.

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