Bronny James struggles to find role with the Lakers

If it wasn't for LeBron James, we probably wouldn't even be watching Bronny, his son, in the NBA. The young basketball player spent the first season mostly on the bench, and he played only a few games in the development G League, where he showed solid games, but it was not enough to earn a place in the rotation of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bronny was selected as the 55th pick in the draft last year, and the Golden State Warriors unexpectedly gave him a four-year contract. The first two years are fully guaranteed, while the third is semi-guaranteed, and the fourth depends on the decision of the franchise from California, which has the option to extend or terminate the cooperation with the young player.

The key is the summer league

This Summer League and next season are crucial for Bronny if he wants to stay in the NBA after his father's career ends. Athletic reporter John Hollinger explained his position clearly:

"Right now, he's 6-2-3 and a defensive player. If he wants to cover up his lack of height and ball skills, he'll have to either shoot threes effectively or be one of the best defensive backs."

During the Summer League in California, apart from one great dunk, he didn't show much because he didn't play much. In Las Vegas, he was weak in the first game, but played decently in the second. LeBron cheered on his son from the stands, which acted as an additional incentive. Bronny looked relaxed, but also fighting. He scored 14 points, had three assists, two steals and four turnovers, while the Lakers beat New Orleans 94:81.

His role in the team is already clear: to play good defense and stay out of the way in attack. Although he is the son of one of the best basketball players, he is not particularly good with the ball, so the ball should not be in his hands often.

Journalists managed to reach LeBron on the court and asked him about the situation in the Lakers. He briefly said:

"I have nothing to talk about."

This further fueled rumors that he did not feel comfortable in Los Angeles. It is clear that the Lakers are now focused on Luka Dončić, the future face of the league and the club, which LeBron finds difficult to accept. 

He still believes in his value as he picked up a $52.6 million player option, making Rob Pelinka's job of putting together a championship team much more difficult. Reportedly, some clubs have already contacted his agent Rich Paul, asking for information about his availability for a transfer, but LeBron has a clause that only he decides on a possible trade.