Lakers' Luka Doncic's chemistry with Jaden Hardy is Bronny James' worst nightmare come true image
The Los Angeles Lakers have almost an entirely new team, and they still have plenty to figure out when it comes to their bench rotation. They will also have to determine which players to move on from when the time comes.
One name that has been interesting to monitor throughout the summer is Bronny James. There is even a possibility that the Lakers could trade him as they continue to shape the roster around Luka Dončić.
“It is still unclear whether the Lakers view Bronny as a potential long-term piece. With the franchise still looking to round out the roster around superstar point guard Luka Doncic, Bronny could be involved in a trade," Heavy.com's Adel Ahmad wrote.
If James makes it to the start of the season without being moved, he will have to take a major step forward. This is essentially a make-or-break season for the third-year guard.
“The Los Angeles Lakers know this is a make-or-break season for Bronny James. The 21-year-old guard is nearing the end of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 if the franchise doesn’t extend him. Bronny has to earn a second contract by improving his game,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
James is competing for a spot at the back end of the Lakers' rotation. However, Watts believes Jaden Hardy's existing chemistry with Dončić could give him an advantage over James when it comes to earning minutes.
“Hardy played next to Luka in Dallas. He appeared in 73 regular-season games in 2024 and was in the playoff rotation for the conference finals and NBA Finals. The Mavericks needed his floor spacing, and the Lakers will have the same desire. The Los Angeles Lakers should have Jaden Hardy over Bronny James in the race for minutes to start training camp. The 6’3 guard is bigger, more experienced, and a better shooter,” Watts wrote.
It would be an unfortunate set of circumstances for James, but the two guards have already shared the floor with Dončić in important games. However, Hardy's previous experience playing alongside Dončić in Dallas could give him an edge entering training camp.
The Lakers will likely give both players opportunities to earn their roles, but Hardy may have the advantage early on. James knows there is a lot riding on this season, and it appears he will have to make the most of every opportunity he gets.
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