The Los Angeles Lakers signed Bronny James to a four-year contract with a clear goal in mind: Develop him into an NBA-caliber player. Long disregarded as simply being in the NBA because he's LeBron James' son, the second-year guard is proving he [can outclass his fellow Association hopefuls.](https://lakeshowlife.com/bronny-james-actively-silencing-false-narrative-summer-league)
In the process, James has set the stage for a positional battle at training camp that no one saw coming—and Gabe Vincent is the veteran he'll be fighting for minutes.
As far as upside is concerned, James would be wise to pattern his game after what Vincent has accomplished in the NBA. The veteran helped the Miami Heat reach the 2023 NBA Finals and has carved out a reputation as one of the better defensive guards in the Association.
Though more than capable of getting to his spots from midrange and even finishing at the rim, Vincent has emerged in Los Angeles as a 3-and-D undersized guard.
Despite not being the most productive of playmakers, Vincent has escaped the archetype players his size are so often forced into operating within. He's carved out what's soon to become a seven-year NBA career by defending at a high level and providing offense in occasional spurts.
In the midst of a contract year, however, Vincent has a new challenge ahead of him: Out-dueling James for a featured bench role in 2025-26.
Bronny James vs. Gabe Vincent: A battle for backup minutes?
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Vincent is coming off of a redemption year in 2024-25 after playing just 11 games in 2023-24. He averaged 6.4 points and 1.5 three-point field goals made in 21.2 minutes per game, which translated to 10.8 points and 2.6 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Vincent also reestablished himself as a defensive force out of the backcourt and shot 37.6 percent from beyond the arc after Dec. 1.
For as intriguing as that may be, Vincent is entering the final season of his contract. With a tradable salary of $11.5 million, it stands to reason that Los Angeles would be open to exploring what it could receive for the veteran as it looks to improve its roster.
That at least leaves the door ajar for James to utilize training camp as an opportunity to step into a role that would provide consistent NBA minutes.
James has certainly made a case for himself at Summer League, showing clear signs of progress—especially on offense. After scoring eight points in the opener, he tallied 14 in the Lakers' win over the New Orleans Pelicans, and 17 points and five assists against the LA Clippers.
Beyond the numbers, James' handle is more controlled and creative, and he's seemingly more comfortable on the attack against players on the fringes of the NBA line.
It's admittedly difficult to argue that Summer League offers proof of James being ready to surpass Vincent. His defense has been a strength all along, however, and Vincent's contract situation has changed the dynamic among Los Angeles' reserves.
If James shows up to training camp and proves capable of providing NBA-caliber minutes, then he could very well create an unexpected battle for minutes in the backcourt.