Darius Bazley has stood out as the most impressive player for the Los Angeles Lakers during this summer’s NBA competitions. After spending last season playing in China, Bazley’s performances in Las Vegas and the California Classic have demonstrated his readiness for another NBA opportunity. His 27-point double-double against the Spurs was notable, but it is his defensive presence that has truly impressed the Lakers’ coaching staff and fans.
Bazley’s athleticism, combined with a seven-foot wingspan and ideal wing size, allows him to be a dynamic force on the court. In a recent game versus the New Orleans Pelicans, Bazley contributed five blocks and two steals, highlighting his versatile defensive impact.
The Contrast Between Bazley and Bronny James in Summer League Roles
Bronny James, regarded as a summer league peer to Bazley, has shown meaningful development compared to his previous appearances. However, James’ strengths have emerged primarily in areas less valued by the Lakers for playing time. Specifically, his ability to handle the ball and create in pick-and-roll situations has been a highlight, helping maintain offensive flow during summer league matches.
Lakers assistant and Vegas Summer League coach Lindsay Harding emphasized this aspect of James’ game:
“Yeah, we want him to play on the ball,”
she said.
“Especially in tight moments, I like the ball in his hands and I want him to make those decisions.”
—Lindsay Harding, Lakers assistant and Vegas Summer League coach
Through two games at the Las Vegas Summer League, James has accumulated 22 points and five assists, showcasing progress in his on-ball skills. Despite this, those qualities alone may not secure him meaningful minutes within the Lakers’ rotation given the team’s current backcourt depth, consisting of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James himself.
The Challenge of Finding a Clear NBA Role for Bronny James
For James to earn consistent NBA playing time, the most realistic route involves excelling as a three-point shooter and a defensively reliable guard. Presently, his three-point shooting remains inconsistent; he has made only 4 of 18 attempts during four summer league games. His shooting performance reflects a broader pattern seen across his career, including 38% from beyond the arc in the G-League, but less consistent results in the NBA and at USC.
This ongoing uncertainty around shooting ability places a burden on him to prove reliability from deep, as NBA defenses are reluctant to prioritize guarding players who are not established outside shooters.
Defensive Attributes and Physical Limitations
While LeBron James is known for his exceptional ball-handling, Bronny’s projected NBA role has evolved toward that of a 3-and-D player. Defense remains his stronger suit, although he confronts physical limits. Standing 6-foot-2 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan offers some defensive flexibility, but his size is on the smaller side for an elite NBA defender. While talents like Jamal Shead, a fellow 2024 draftee standing just 6 feet tall, have succeeded defensively through exceptional strength and intensity, Bronny has yet to consistently demonstrate the same ferocity and presence on that end of the floor.
Bazley’s Defensive Versatility Sets Him Apart
In contrast to Bronny, Bazley’s physical traits enable him to guard multiple positions effectively. Harding praised Bazley’s rare defensive skills, stating,
“Bazley is an amazing defender. He can guard on-ball. He can guard the point guard. He can guard the center. He does a great job off the ball. Sometimes defenders are great on-ball and not on-ball and vice versa, but he can do everything. He’s long. We need him for every position and they were huge blocks.”
—Lindsay Harding, Lakers assistant and Vegas Summer League coach
This defensive versatility is particularly valuable for the Lakers after losing wing defender Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, creating a significant need for adaptable wing players who can protect multiple positions.
Roster Constraints Impact Bazley’s Status with the Lakers
Despite Bazley’s strong summer league showing, the Lakers currently face financial and roster hurdles that prevent them from signing him to a standard NBA contract. Bazley’s five years of professional experience disqualify him from a two-way contract, while the Lakers have limited cap room—less than $1 million under the hard salary cap—to offer even a minimum deal.
The Lakers could create space by waiving Shake Milton, who is on a non-guaranteed contract, but that roster spot is expected to be used for another veteran player rather than Bazley. Speculation has surrounded potential signings of defensive-minded guards such as De’Anthony Melton, indicating the Lakers’ priority is to shore up wing defense with established veterans.
Potential Trade Moves to Accommodate Bazley on the Roster
Several Lakers players with expiring contracts—including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber—could be involved in a trade to clear a roster spot for Bazley. Past inactive trade discussions, such as the aborted move involving Dalton Knecht due to a failed physical, indicate that the team is open to reshaping their wing rotation. Names like Andrew Wiggins have emerged as possible trade targets, and a suitable trade could provide the necessary roster flexibility to sign Bazley.
However, no immediate trade appears likely at this point, leaving Bazley’s future with the Lakers uncertain and potentially open to offers from other teams willing to provide him a contract.
Assessing Bronny James’ Current Value and Future Prospects
In comparison, Bronny James’ standing with the Lakers remains ambiguous but influenced heavily by his connection to the franchise through his father, LeBron James. Last year, his roster spot was seen as part of doing business with one of the greatest players in NBA history, rather than strictly meritocratic reasons. As LeBron’s tenure with the Lakers seems to be winding down, Bronny faces increased pressure to prove he can earn playing time on his own merits.
Without his famous surname, James’ value as a No. 55 overall pick in his second season—with gradual improvement but no defined NBA role—may be questioned relative to someone like Bazley, a former high first-round pick showcasing skill sets more immediately translatable to the NBA game. While some second-round picks require time to develop, others like Guerschon Yabusele remind observers that success is possible once the right situation is found.
The Importance of This Summer for Bronny James’ NBA Future
With LeBron James still part of the Lakers, Bronny is likely to remain with the team for now. His goal this summer is to solidify his contribution and demonstrate growth that can translate into consistent NBA minutes. It is notable that Bronny was once a first-round prospect before a cardiac arrest prematurely ended his collegiate career, underscoring his potential as a legitimate NBA player rather than merely a legacy presence.
Nevertheless, judging Bronny solely as a developing NBA prospect reveals challenges. Comparing him with Bazley’s performance this summer greatly favors the latter’s immediate NBA readiness. In a more straightforward scenario, the Lakers might trade Bronny to create space for Bazley, though this is unlikely due to Bronny’s familial ties to the team.
This context increases the expectations on Bronny James—now more than ever, he must prove his worth on the court as the era of LeBron in Los Angeles appears to approach its conclusion. If he cannot establish himself as a reliable player, the Lakers may eventually choose to allocate his roster spot to a more ready contributor.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bronny James score 30 points?
A. On Friday night, Bronny James scored a personal best of 31 points, helping the South Bay Lakers win against the Rip City Remix, 122-110. He made 10 out of 22 shots, including 5 of 11 from beyond the arc, and also contributed three assists, two rebounds, and two steals in South Bay’s second victory this season.
Q. Did Bronny James really score 30 points?
A. Bronny James was unstoppable with 39 points and 7 rebounds, making 67% of his field goals. The Los Angeles Lakers’ draft pick achieved a career-high score. This was his third game this season scoring over 30 points while playing for the South Bay Lakers.
Q. Has Bronny James ever scored 25 points in a game?
A. During his first home game on November 30, he achieved a score of 25 points, leading to a 77–61 victory against Crossroads School.
Q. Did Bronny James score 39 points?
A. Bronny James scored 39 points, leading the South Bay Lakers to victory against the Santa Cruz Warriors.