Bronny James has received the blueprint for how he can play meaningful minutes from Nick Smith Jr. and Gabe Vincent. Both have seemingly epitomized [what JJ Redick is looking for](https://lakeshowlife.com/jj-redick-already-proving-luka-doncic-dream-coach-lakers) in a backup guard, all the while showing what the Los Angeles Lakers are missing.
In the event that James can remain consistently healthy, space the floor with selflessness and efficiency, and defend his position, minutes could become consistently available in 2025-26.
James is already on the right track, as he's played at least 18 minutes in four of the Lakers' past seven games. It's one of the more encouraging stretches from a polarizing NBA career that has been at times overshadowed by his critics' relentless attempts to downplay his merit.
With Vincent missing time and Smith not yet revealing a steady baseline for his performances, however, the door has been kicked open for James to make his mark.
There have been encouraging signs along the way. James dished out six assists in 19 minutes during a win over the Portland Trail Blazers and had nine points in 18 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks. He's also attempted six three-point field goals over his past four games after failing to register an attempt between his first three appearances.
If James is hoping to turn his recent uptick in playing time into something sustainable, however, then he'll need to prove he can provide reliable value.
Door is open for Bronny James with Gabe Vincent injured
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James has brought the intensity on the defensive end of the floor, which is likely why he's seemingly earned Redick's trust. That's manifested in the Lakers allowing 6.0 fewer points per 100 possessions when James is on the court than when he isn't.
James has also displayed impressive positional versatility on defense, proving capable of switching and holding his own for brief stretches of a possession.
Furthermore, James has already forced eight players to commit turnovers when he's the primary defender. He's also averaging 0.9 steals per game and 2.4 per 36 minutes. If that weren't enough, he's held the four players he's spent at least 10.0 partial possessions defending to a combined 2-of-6 shooting from the field.
The sample sizes are all limited at this stage of the season, but James can hold on to a steady place in the rotation if he continues to provide such positive defensive value.
From there, the big question becomes a matter of whether or not James can consistently contribute on the other end of the floor. Shot creation and playmaking won't be a regular expectation, particularly when all of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are healthy.
With Smith following [his eye-opening 25-point performance](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-historically-balanced-rotation-fans-thinking-championship) with a combined five points in two games, however, there is an opportunity for James to make his mark offensively.
James needs to be more assertive on offense, particularly when the ball is swung his way for catch-and-shoot opportunities. He's attempted just four catch-and-shoot threes in seven appearances and has doubled his overall catch-and-shoot attempts with pull-ups. If he flips that trend on its head, it's easy to envision a scenario in which his results will improve.
It's unlikely that James will instantly replace Vincent once he returns from injury, but with time to spare, he can build momentum toward ultimately doing so.