bronny james
Bronny James excited with his new role on the Lakers squad Erik Drost/Flickr

Bronny James says he is spending the summer honing a defined role as the Los Angeles Lakers' secondary ball‑handler, setting out a focused plan to play off Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves while giving head coach JJ Redick another trusted option to initiate the offence.

Speaking from the Lakers' El Segundo practice facility, the 21‑year‑old guard outlined how an off‑season built around pick‑and‑roll execution and catch‑and‑shoot consistency is intended to cement him as a dependable creator alongside the club's marquee playmakers.

After a rookie year played under intense scrutiny, his programme signals a shift towards greater floor‑spacing and half‑court responsibility.

Adapting to an Evolving Backcourt Dynamic

Following a series of roster adjustments, the Lakers' offence is expected to run primarily through Dončić's playmaking and Reaves' scoring. James explained that his summer regimen has been tailored to complement both players, allowing him either to initiate sets when required or operate comfortably as an off‑ball threat.

'All across the board, I'm trying to get better this year,' James said. 'I'm playing with Luka and AR, so I'm going to be off‑ball when it's needed. I need to be able to knock down shots and create for others, and I think I've been doing a good job with that this summer.'

Rather than targeting a high‑usage role, James said that broadening his skill set gives Redick more flexibility in the backcourt rotation.

'I feel like I can be a secondary ball‑handler to Luka and AR and generate whatever offense: catch‑and‑shoot, pick‑and‑roll offense, and stuff like that,' James added. 'I just pride myself on being an all‑around player, and whatever is needed, I'm up for it.'

Sharpening His Offensive Skill Set

Known primarily for his defensive work, lateral quickness and transition play during his initial spell in the league, James acknowledged that he needs to raise his half‑court impact.

His summer routine has focused on improving his shooting consistency from three‑point range and refining his decision‑making in secondary pick‑and‑roll actions.

By positioning himself as a reliable secondary outlet, James aims to ease the burden on Dončić and Reaves when primary options are disrupted by opposing defences. His ability to hit spot‑up three‑pointers and then attack closeouts by driving or finding team‑mates will be important in keeping the Lakers' offence organised.

Growing Influence and Roster Chemistry

Away from the technical work, James noted a change in how he fits within the group. As the Lakers integrate new signings after summer turnover, the young guard now finds himself among the longer‑serving players in the gym.

'I was thinking about that,' James admitted regarding his evolving status. 'It's crazy. I've got a bigger voice in the gym right now, and it feels weird, but everyone's great. We've been in the gym working. There's good vibes everywhere.'

Early signs of cohesion have been helped by team activities, including a recent pre‑season trip to Slovenia, which James pointed to as an important moment for building chemistry.

As training camp approaches, James is aiming to turn his off‑season work into regular‑season minutes, with the goal of securing a place as a versatile, two‑way contributor in the Lakers' backcourt rotation.

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