The NBA preseason is underway, with just two weeks remaining until opening night. Teams are still evaluating their roster rotations based on current performances — and the Lakers are among those figuring out the best lineup combinations. Bronny James is expected to have a larger role this season, but the question remains: in what capacity? The Lakers recently added a player who could impact James’ minutes.
“Nick Smith Jr. will be signing with the Lakers on a two-way contract, sources told ESPN. The 21-year-old point guard averaged 9.9 points and 2.4 assists for CHA last season,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.
James hasn’t exactly helped his case for earning minutes so far. In the preseason opener, he struggled with his shooting and looked out of rhythm offensively.
“I felt like they were pretty good shots,” James said. “I didn’t rush, wasn’t forcing anything. I didn’t have my legs under me as much as I wanted to, so I left a lot of them short. But most of them were on line and I felt like I could have made them. I took some good shots.”
After two preseason games, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Gabe Vincent is the frontrunner for the backup point guard spot — not James.
“Extending this conversation past the offensive struggles, the defense, which is supposed to be his strong point, still lacks refinement. James has struggled navigating screens and sticking with his man. The tenacious defense that one would want to see out of someone as athletic as the Lakers guard has not provided the necessary results. For a team wishing to pursue a championship in 2025-26, Vincent is the much safer option off the bench,” Lake Show Life’s Syvatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.
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James entered training camp with a real opportunity to earn minutes — but early on, he’s done little to impress. With Vincent entering the final year of his three-year contract, perhaps one more year of development for James wouldn’t be the worst thing.
The Lakers are aiming for a deep playoff run this season — and right now, Bronny James doesn’t look ready to contribute to that goal.
