The Los Angeles Lakers want to compete for the championship, but Bronny James could quickly vault into the team's rotation by improving his defense. The franchise is light on perimeter D. They hope Marcus Smart can lift their cause, but the veteran shouldn’t play more than 28 minutes per game. Los Angeles is light on athleticism and could use Bronny over Gabe Vincent if the 20-year-old’s defense becomes impactful.
This should not be a shock to fans. Head coach JJ Redick outlined his path to minutes by [comparing him to two guards](https://lakeshowlife.com/jj-redick-outlines-path-bronny-james-difference-maker) who shine on defense. Bronny has that potential. He looked [far away from realizing it](https://lakeshowlife.com/cold-hard-bronny-james-truth-lakers-fans-need-to-accept) as a rookie, but his summer league display has made fans hopeful.
LeBron’s son still has work to do. It is important to note that growth is not linear. Bronny could make the leap quickly if everything comes together. Gabe Vincent has struggled since joining the Lakers, and James keeps improving. The second-year guard could quickly make the pass by doing the little things.
Bronny James must improve his defense to crack the Lakers' rotation
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent averaged 6.4 points, 1.4 assists, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 21.2 minutes per game last season as a Lakers reserve. He shot 35.3 percent from 3-point range, but the Lakers were 0.5 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract and likely last season as a Laker. The front office would like nothing more than to see Bronny steal that role, but coach Redick will make him earn it. It starts with defense, energy, and shot-making. All areas where James must improve.
This is not impossible. Bronny made a massive leap from his lone college season to his rookie year in the NBA. Another jump will have him knocking on the door of the rotation, but kicking it down won’t be easy. The 20-year-old is working on his handle, playmaking, and shooting to be able to run the second unit, but his defense will determine his playing time this season.
James slowed flashes in summer league. He was guarding Cooper Flagg and not backing away from any challenge. Bronny has the potential and genetic makeup. It is all about working his way into the rotation and seizing every opportunity.
Many viewed the Los Angeles Lakers' selection of Bronny James as a favor to LeBron, but the joke is about to be on them. The 6’2 guard keeps improving and will work his way into the rotation. His path is crystal clear, but making those gains is difficult. Fans will be watching closely to see if Bronny can do it now. Either way, James is impressing, and the best is still yet to come.