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It feels like it was just weeks ago that the New York Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, but the new season and the defense of their title begins next week.
The Knicks will try to become the first team since the Golden State Warriors (2016–2018) to capture back-to-back titles, navigating a remarkably open era where the NBA has crowned eight different champions over the past eight seasons, a level of parity never seen before in league history.
Bronny James stays late at Lakers practice as he fights to keep his roster spot
Among the most intriguing storylines, as is the case every year, are the Los Angeles Lakers, who enter a transitional era without LeBron James after his eight-season tenure in Southern California. The roster features a wave of new talent, highlighted by the addition of center Walker Kessler, who is projected to slot into the starting lineup alongside superstar Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
JJ Redick Issues Candid Assessment on Bronny James
The Lakers kick off the regular season at home against the Golden State Warriors, but with eight players not returning from last year's core roster, it is difficult to anticipate much beyond Luka Doncic shouldering a massive offensive load and posting 30 or more points per night.
Among the roster members drawing intense scrutiny regarding his future in Los Angeles is third-year guard Bronny James, who faced persistent nepotism narrative claims after arriving in the league alongside his father, but now must navigate his first professional campaign without LeBron in the building.
Thus far, his play on the floor has done little to command rotation minutes. Head coach JJ Redick delivered an honest assessment, admitting that Bronny has struggled throughout exhibition play: “I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices.”
Registering just 12 points and 11 turnovers across those four tune-ups, the output underscores that Bronny's regular-season minutes will once again be confined primarily to blowouts and garbage time, keeping open the probability of another stint with the G League's South Bay Lakers, where he showed his brightest flashes over his initial two seasons.
Depth Chart Bottleneck and Historical Expectations Limit James' Rotation Role
Positional depth within the Lakers' backend rotation remains fierce, particularly in the backcourt where Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves command the overwhelming majority of minutes, significantly restricting opportunities for fringe guards.
Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, a slot where historical production benchmarks are naturally modest, Bronny has logged 69 games (starting two) across his first two professional seasons, averaging 2.7 points, under one rebound, and under one assist per game in limited action.
As Los Angeles prepares for opening night against the Warriors next Wednesday, James faces a steep uphill battle to earn meaningful minutes in Redick's regular rotation.