As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to navigate a season filled with injuries and unexpected challenges, one name has been making headlines: Bronny James. The son of LeBron James is carving out his own path in the league, but his stats tell a story that's both promising and frustrating.
Bronny James, born on October 6, 2004, made his NBA debut with the Lakers this season . At just 21 years old, he’s already showing flashes of potential. However, his per-game stats for the 2025-26 season are modest at best: averaging around 2.4 points in 34 regular-season games . It's a far cry from the expectations set by his legendary father.
Despite these underwhelming numbers, Bronny has been given opportunities to shine due to injuries plaguing the Lakers' roster. With Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic sidelined recently, Bronny received significant playing time . In a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he made his first start of the season but failed to make much of an impact . His performance was quiet, with no standout moments that would suggest he's ready for more consistent minutes.
On the defensive end, Bronny has shown some promise. He’s adept at reading plays and making timely steals, which is a skill not often seen in rookies . However, his offensive game remains a work in progress. His shooting percentage is abysmal, and he struggles to find open shots consistently . It's clear that Bronny still needs to develop his scoring ability if he wants to carve out a long-term role on the Lakers.
One of the most notable games for Bronny came against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he recorded six assists and a steal in a 123-115 win . It was hailed as his "best game" by some analysts, but it's worth noting that such performances are few and far between. The Lakers have won three straight games with Bronny contributing, but the team’s overall record remains mediocre at best .
As the season progresses, the pressure on Bronny to perform will only increase. With his father's legacy looming large over every game he plays, Bronny must find a way to separate himself from the shadow of greatness and establish his own identity as an NBA player. The Lakers' decision-makers are watching closely, trying to determine whether Bronny has what it takes to be more than just a footnote in basketball history.
Will Bronny James rise to the occasion or will he continue to struggle? Only time—and his stats—will tell.
