The Los Angeles Lakers need to get Bronny James off their roster immediately after a dreadful preseason. He played in four of the six games and averaged 6.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 21.3 minutes per contest. Bronny shot 25 percent from the field and made just two 3-pointers. He had as many assists and turnovers, along with his defense looking problematic. There appears to be no hope for the former second-round draft pick.
Some fans thought Bronny could push Gabe Vincent for the backup point guard minutes this preseason. Instead, Vincent has soared into a starting role as Bronny flopped. The 20-year-old missed the final two preseason games with an ankle injury. It was a disappointing end to a nightmare stretch that may end his time with the Lakers.
Bronny has done nothing to prove he is an NBA player at this stage. Fans got hyped about summer league, but the 6’2 guard shot under 30 percent from 3-point range with more turnovers than assists. He is not a shooter, creator, or lockdown defender. Those facts make it impossible for him to get on the floor.
Lakers need to send Bronny James packing before the trade deadline
Los Angeles is just $1.1 million below the first apron, where they are hard-capped. That made it impossible to cut Bronny from the opening night roster. He has a guaranteed contract, and the Lakers would have been unable to replace him. The last thing LA wants to do is upset LeBron James as he works his way back from injury, but things will be different as the trade deadline approaches.
The Lakers want to upgrade their roster and are now building around Luka Doncic. LeBron is in the final year of his contract and likely plays elsewhere next season. LA knows it will be hard to win with King James, over 40 years old, trying to stay healthy through the grueling NBA season. The franchise may speed up LeBron’s departure by trading his son in a deal that upgrades their roster before the deadline.
Bronny won’t play for the Lakers this season. He may see action in mop-up duty, but he enters the season as the 12th man, even with his father sidelined. Rookie Adou Thiero could quickly pass Bronny if he can get healthy. The younger James is stuck at the end of the bench, and the majority of his minutes will come with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
The Lakers want to compete for championships, and fans saw Oklahoma City and Indiana reach the NBA Finals with depth last season. LA can’t afford to have a guard unable to see the floor hanging around on their roster. It is time to move on from Bronny James in search of someone who improves their depth and playoff versatility.
The Los Angeles Lakers should get rid of Bronny after his dreadful preseason. He still has three years remaining on his contract, but some rebuilding team would be willing to take on the deal for the publicity alone. The Lakers shouldn’t be chasing headlines. They need help to win games now. Sadly, Bronny just isn’t good enough, so he must go.
