LeBron James Breaks Down Bronny’s Growth and Expanding Role in Lakers’ Rotation

LeBron James isn’t just watching his son Bronny grow — he’s breaking it all down as both a father and a veteran leader.

On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, the Lakers superstar discussed Bronny James’ progress, the maturity he’s shown early this season, and how the team continues to integrate young talent while staying near the top of the Western Conference standings.

🟣 Steve Nash: “It looks like Bronny’s made a jump.”

Nash opened the conversation by noting what many Lakers fans have already seen: Bronny is more comfortable, more confident, and making the most of his chances.

LeBron agreed — and offered a detailed look at how Bronny has quietly leveled up after a year of development.

“It’s been great… to see someone use what he did last year in the G League, get more comfortable, then go into summer league even more comfortable,” LeBron said. “And when his time has been called this year, just continue to feel good about it.”

📈 Bronny’s on-court growth when the Lakers needed him

LeBron highlighted the stretches earlier this season when the Lakers were short-handed — missing Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, or Marcus Smart — and Bronny stepped into real rotation minutes.

He delivered notably in two home matchups and later on the road in Portland, where LeBron said he saw a crucial sign of growth: the ability to perform away from home under pressure.

“I was just super proud of him — the maturation process,” LeBron added.

👨‍👦 Balancing fatherhood and leadership

Nash then asked about the delicate line between being a father and being a team leader.

LeBron kept it simple:

“When we’re in practice and in games… I’m one of the guys and one of the leaders. But we have our side time where I can tell him what I’ve seen. I just want him to walk his own journey.”

His approach: guide, advise, and support — without getting in the way of Bronny writing his own NBA story.

🟡 Bronny’s role this season

Through 11 games, Bronny is averaging:

• 1.9 points
• 1.7 assists
• 10.2 minutes per game

His best performance came on Nov. 8 vs. Atlanta, when he put up:

• 9 points
• 2 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 1 steal
• 4-of-6 shooting in 18 minutes

Small steps — but meaningful ones.

🔥 Lakers thriving while developing youth

Under JJ Redick, the Lakers have surged to one of the West’s best records, blending:

• A veteran core headlined by LeBron and Luka
• A structured, accountability-driven system
• Steady contributions from young players like Bronny

With a key NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, the Lakers are positioned as early contenders on multiple fronts.

The game could also see the return of Anthony Davis, who hasn’t played since Oct. 29 and hasn’t appeared at Crypto.com Arena since being traded to Dallas.

No matter what happens next, Bronny’s steady growth — and LeBron’s pride in it — has become one of the season’s most compelling subplots.