Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers played Bronny James the most minutes he has all season in a game against the Spurs. James played 25 minutes with Los Angeles resting their starters. With that happening, he was able to put up the best stats of the season.
James had season-highs in points, rebounds, and assists in the game. He wasn’t pulled for making mistakes because the Lakers didn’t have anyone else to replace him with. James has only played in 28 games this season, which is more than he played all of last year.
Following the game against San Antonio, James spoke about what role he thinks he can fill for the Lakers for the rest of the season.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Bronny James Thinks he Can be a Defensive Specialist for the Lakers
James believes that he can be a defensive specialist for Los Angeles for the rest of the season.
“I’d say defensively. That’s my role that I want to excel at, especially on this team. We have a lot of guys, Luka, LeBron, AR. Those guys can go get buckets whenever we need them. But they need guys like myself, Vando, Jake, guys who can defend.”
JJ Redick talked before the season that James’ role can be a defensive one if he is able to get in better shape. James has played more than he did as a rookie, but he is still out of the regular rotation. He has not earned the coach’s trust yet to earn a regular role.
Of course, James still has to be a threat from beyond the 3-point line if he is going to get regular minutes. So far this season, James is shooting 42.3 percent from beyond the 3-point arc, which is a massive improvement from year one. He is trying to show that he deserves regular playing time.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Bronny James is Unlikely to see Regular Playing Time From the Lakers
Once the Lakers are fully healthy and they start to lock in after the All-Star break, it’s unlikely James will see much playing time. He is already low on the totem pole, and LA has other players they prefer to help with the perimeter defense, such as Marcus Smart.
If Smart gets hurt, James has a chance to earn time as a defensive guard. That is the only hope he has of becoming a regular contributor this season. Right now, the Lakers have the eighth-worst defense in the NBA. The perimeter defense needs to be improved the most.
LA needs someone to step up from the bench when it comes to the perimeter defense. Smart has been good in that regard, but James still has to find a way to be more of a ball-handler on the offensive end of the court in order to establish himself as a regular rotation piece.
Currently, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference standings.