Bronny James was not playing in the Los Angeles Lakers’ final summer league game. Do not read into it the wrong way. In fact, that is actually a very good sign. Bronny James’ Summer League leap that was impossible to ignore.
Bronny had a solid Summer League showing overall. He averaged 14.3 points, nearly four assists, and close to three rebounds per game, while shooting just under 50 percent from the field. For a second-year player still finding his rhythm in the NBA, those are some pretty promising numbers. If you do not think that is impressive, just remember his stats last year. In his rookie season he barely saw the court, averaging just over 2 points per game. This summer gave him a chance to show growth and build confidence, and he did just that.
Sitting Bronny was a smart, strategic call
After the Lakers missed out on the winner’s bracket and were left with only a consolation game against the Denver Nuggets, the team made the decision to sit Bronny out. Why?
That game did not hold much competitive importance. More importantly, the Lakers did not want to take unnecessary risks with a young player they clearly value. That is the crucial point here. Sitting Bronny is not a sign of punishment or doubt about his readiness. It is about protecting his health and ensuring he is prepared for the real challenges ahead. The Lakers have seen enough from him to be confident in his progress. They would rather have him focused on staying healthy and preparing for the regular season than grind through a meaningless exhibition game.
Lakers’ move confirmed what they really think about Bronny
This approach is not unusual at all. Other teams regularly make similar decisions with their young prospects. The Dallas Mavericks sat out their top pick, Cooper Flagg, for the same reasons. The San Antonio Spurs did the same with Dylan Harper. Once teams have gathered enough evaluation data, they prioritize long-term growth over short-term showings.
Bronny’s recent growth, especially in the G League, where he averaged 18.6 points per game, shows clear development. His Summer League performance offered glimpses of that same potential, giving Lakers fans real reasons to be excited. With LeBron James likely in his final NBA season as a Laker, the spotlight on Bronny is only going to grow. This summer league was an important audition, but now it is time for Bronny to rest up and get ready for the real season. If you are concerned about Bronny sitting out, do not be. It is the Lakers saying, “We like what we have seen; now let’s focus on what comes next.”
