The Los Angeles Lakers appear committed to continuing Bronny James' development even after his father, LeBron James, left the franchise this offseason.
Tony Watts of Lake Show Life pointed to several moves made by the Lakers as evidence that the organization still views the 21-year-old guard as part of its future.
"The signs that the Lakers believe in Bronny are all there," Watts wrote.
Los Angeles guaranteed James' contract for the 2026-27 season before LeBron ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Bronny also remained with the Lakers despite the possibility of being included in a deal involving Philadelphia.
According to Watts, that decision was significant given the Lakers' major roster overhaul around Luka Doncic.
"LA could have declined Bronny's option or sent him packing," Watts wrote. "They chose not to in a summer where change was the goal."
Lakers reportedly want value in Bronny trade
Bronny James
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Bronny is scheduled to earn approximately $2.2 million this season, while Los Angeles currently has 16 players on guaranteed contracts and must eventually cut that number to 15.
However, Watts noted that Bronny has not been mentioned as one of the players the Lakers are actively looking to move, with the franchise instead exploring other ways to clear its roster logjam.
He also referenced a previous report from Dan Woike of The Athletic indicating that the Lakers were seeking legitimate value if they were going to trade James.
"The Lakers could easily cut his bargain salary, but they are looking to trade other players to solve their roster crunch," Watts wrote.
Bronny showed signs of progress during his second professional season. Across his NBA and G League appearances, the 6-foot-2 guard converted 37.9% of his 158 attempts from 3-point range.
Injuries also gave him an opportunity during the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, where he logged 42 total minutes.
Pressure grows without LeBron
LeBron James, Bronny James
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The situation changes significantly entering his third season, however.
LeBron is no longer alongside his son in Los Angeles, meaning Bronny will have to establish his own place on a Lakers team attempting to compete for a championship around Doncic.
"It is time for James to make another leap," Watts wrote. "The pressure is on to step out of LeBron's shadow and prove he's an NBA rotation player."
The Lakers hold a $2.4 million team option on Bronny for the 2027-28 season, the final year of his current deal.
For now, the organization's offseason decisions indicate that it wants to continue giving the former second-round pick an opportunity to develop.
"The Lakers' actions are proof that Bronny is on his way, and the franchise wants to continue developing the 21-year-old," Watts concluded.