Things appeared to be lining up well for 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James.
The USC product was a solid performer in the Summer League and was believed to be primed for a more productive sophomore NBA campaign following a relatively unproductive rookie season (he averaged 2.3 points per game in 6.7 minutes of action).
However, on Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania announced that former Boston Celtics guard and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, will sign with the Lakers once Los Angeles makes ample room for him, negatively impacting James’ chances of earning minutes next season.
Based on a recent report made by the Athletic’s Dan Woike, James has Luka Doncic to blame for the unfavorable free agency news.
“Doncic, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help and defensive support,” Woike stated. “The Lakers responded by filling those needs with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and, soon, Marcus Smart.”
“In addition to that, league sources said, Doncic has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts.”
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While Doncic is undoubtedly pleased with the Lakers’ current state, James likely wishes the organization hadn’t made any additional roster moves after landing Ayton and LaRavia.
Smart is the perfect win-now backcourt asset for the Lakers. The 31-year-old is a defensive mastermind who offers enough offensive production to be regarded as an impactful two-way asset.
The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times under Smart’s leadership at the point guard position, and nearly captured an NBA championship in 2022.
The Oklahoma State product averaged 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during his final season with the Celtics (2022-23), shooting 41.5% from the field and 33.6% from deep.
Without Smart in the fold, James’ stiffest bench competition would have been Gabe Vincent, who’s struggled to find his way in a Lakers uniform.
However, now that all signs point to Los Angeles including Vincent in a consolidation trade to clear space for a more valuable asset in Smart, it’s safe to say James’ odds of solidifying a refined role under JJ Redick in Year 2 have taken a massive hit.
Granted, continuing to develop in the G-League would help the former McDonald’s All-American expand his offensive arsenal and increase his comfort as a playmaker.
Still, there’s no denying that the eventual addition of Smart, thanks to Doncic’s recruitment chops, will make it challenging for James to make noise with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season.
More NBA: Lakers cut ties with recently-acquired 6-foot-5 guard after Marcus Smart news
