Amid the chaos quickly surrounding LeBron James, there is another member of his family who is facing a ton of pressure this summer. Bronny James is already at the prove-it stage of his young career.
John Hollinger of The Athletic released a list of notable non-rookies to keep an eye on in this year's Summer League. James was included, with a notable point brought up about his current NBA contract.
Hollinger wrote, "James has a fully guaranteed deal this year, but after that, everything is up in the air. If LeBron James isn’t a Laker after this season, it’s hard to see them keep riding with Bronny unless he’s earned his stripes by then; next year’s deal is only 50 percent guaranteed."
The idea here is obvious. What is the incentive for the Lakers to keep Bronny around past 2025-26 if the young guard does not showcase enough flashes of upside? This situation feels oddly enflamed by the ugly disconnect that is reportedly growing between LeBron and the Lakers.
Bronny needs to prove more than LeBron's son
In the case that this write-up is coming off to anybody as ill-intent, Bronny is an incredibly easy person to root for. The Lakers guard says all the right things, displaying a strong sense of maturity and self-awareness.
There is even an underdog feel to him, despite being the offspring of one of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball. The comeback from his heart ailments and the incredible amount of scrutiny that Bronny faces contribute to that.
It's just that if the 20-year-old does not prove himself as someone who can develop into a rotational player at the NBA level, the Lakers have their out next season. The added incentive to move on from Bronny may not even come from him, as alluded to above.
What on earth is going on with LeBron and the Lakers?@_JasonLT & @jovanbuha try to make sense of it all pic.twitter.com/VCnIpsC3oF
— Hoops Tonight (@hoopstonite) July 11, 2025
Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne detailed an inside look at the transition in Los Angeles from LeBron to Luka Doncic on Friday morning. Their sources highlighted uneasiness growing between the Lakers and James.
If the Lakers do choose to have a clean divorce with the all-time great and fully embrace the Doncic era, James may be the one taking the kids with him. There would be no joint custody unless Bronny looks the part after this season.
Aiming to fill that 3-and-d mold at his position would be the younger James' easiest path to securing a spot at the NBA level. Hollinger pointed that out in his piece. Bronny has said it previously himself. The results just have to substantially materialize at this point.