Bronny James is preparing for his sophomore season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 20-year-old is looking to make a bigger impact for JJ Redick’s team

Bronny and LeBron James made history by playing together on the Lakers last season(Image: Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bronny James is focusing on “getting a little leaner” ahead of his sophomore NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James is set to feature for the Lakers in the NBA Summer League. His Lakers will face the Dallas Mavericks, taking on Cooper Flagg, who went first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft before swiftly shooting down rumors suggesting that the lottery system was rigged.

James showed flashes of brilliance during last year’s Summer League despite getting off to a brutal start at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. He tallied 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting over his final two games, showcasing his ability, having just entered the league surrounded by accusations of nepotism due to his father, LeBron.

While he endured a difficult season in the NBA, James’ potential was clear to see as he excelled in the G League. He hopes to get more minutes under head coach JJ Redick in 2025-26, with the guard focused on his professionalism through eating healthier and improved conditioning.

“That’s my main focus, probably why I’m getting a little leaner,” James said. “But I still got 215 [pounds] on me still. So, I’m just running a lot and getting a lot of conditioning in. And then just staying on top of my diet, eating healthy, being a professional.

“It’s just Year 2, so I gotta lock in on the things that I didn’t know before my rookie year and being better and excel with that. Yeah, my main focus is this year, or this summer, has been being in elite condition. That’s what I’ve been talking to my coaches about.”

James finished his rookie season averaging 2.3 points per game across 27 appearances, with under an assist and a rebound tallied in 6.7 minutes of action. He shot a disappointing 31.3 percent from the floor, which is why the 20-year-old is focused on the defensive side of his game.

“I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor because there’s gonna be guys that can score 15, 20 a game,” James told reporters earlier this week. “I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now.

Bronny James sat out the opening Summer League game for the Lakers, a loss to the Warriors(Image: Getty Images)

“To get myself on the floor, I’ve got to be a defensive menace.”

In the G League, James averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 18 games. He hopes to settle down and show his best form for the Lakers this season.

“Last year, coming in and producing from the start was a very difficult experience, even with nerves,” James added. “So I feel like this year I’ll be able to go out and play with freedom and know what I’m going to do for myself and my teammates.

“So, yes, I’m very excited to be able to play without nerves.”

James was not on the court during the Lakers’ first Summer League clash with the Golden State Warriors.

The starting lineup included Dalton Knecht, Cole Swider, Trey Jemison III, DaJuan Gordon, and DJ Stewart, losing 89-84 to Golden State.