Call Bronny James the Drake of the Lakers – ’cause he started from the bottom, and now he’s here. He’s had a character development arc anime enthusiasts would be proud of. From the ego-riddled depths of the G League to bossing the court against the Bucks in March, he’s come a long way.

It seems like Bronny is going through what Brandin Podziemski went through at the Warriors. Their minds were filled to the brim with ego, and coaches disapproved. “He was trying too hard to be an All-Star instead of just taking the next step,” said Kerr of Podz earlier this season. JJ Redick didn’t actually give any hard quotes regarding James, but showed it in a regular-season game. The  Lakers coach questioned his decision to introduce Bronny into his rotation in the 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on January 28th. James went 0-for-5 with 3 turnovers in 15 minutes.

And not to say that Bronny was not feeling it. “Like you said, it’s a huge difference to my confidence. From start of the year, I’d just say I was under a lot of pressure and the ego was getting to me a little bit. So just having those games like the Bucks game we said, just having those games like that in the G League and stuff like that, just build my confidence every day and, you know, proven to me that I know what I can do and I’m ready to, you know, keep growing as a player,” said Bronny after LA’s crashout to Minnesota last night.

Just like Podz, Bronny put in the hard work and dedication to reap the benefits. It’s just unfortunate that the Lakers’ season is over prematurely. But 2025/26 is gonna be the year of Bronny. Why? Due to a huge shift in his confidence. It’s hard, though. Those moments of low confidence came early in his rookie season, and the one in Philly was probably the worst of them all. He just looked too out of place. But you couldn’t really blame Redick. Bronny’s G League performances were too good to keep him under covers.

Junior was on fire for the South Bay Lakers in the G league throughout the year. In just his rookie season, he managed 22 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2 SPG while shooting 44% from the field and 38% from downtown. Those kinda stats don’t come around often. So to come from there, to now putting himself in contention for next year in JJ Redick’s lineup – no one should prouder than his father, the eternal LeBron James.

And that seems to be true as well. Now that their season is over, Bronny’s development appears to be LeBron James’ priority “number one, for sure. That’s easy. That’s not even close.” Of course, most NBA youngsters do not have the luxury of being able to take practical advice from their own father. When you consider that Bronny has the support, guidance, and most importantly, the presence of his father on his team, there is little doubt that he has a glorious advantage.

LeBron James over the moon with Bronny James’ progress

Can you imagine what it’s like- playing the sport you love on the biggest stage with your own kid? And that Bucks game really put the nepotism claims to bed. This kid has what it takes. James Sr. acknowledges the troubles Junior went through at the start of the season. But he couldn’t be prouder that Bronny had the mental fortitude to get out of that situation and rise, like a phoenix from the ashes.

“Just to see what he was able to do every single day by just channeling his mind and his work. Just putting in the work and just seeing how much he grew from, like I said, the moment from he was drafted to doing what he was doing in the G [League]. Getting opportunities with us… And it showed when we set out a lot of guys at that home game when we played Milwaukee. I just thought that he has a bright future because not only can he play the game of basketball. He’s just a great f—–g kid,” said LeBron James in his postgame press.

Bronny James hasn’t had it easy in the NBA. But he’s proved time and time again that he has what it takes to be in the majors. His ego-filled feels like a fever dream. But no one’s prouder than LeBron James himself. “And I have to say that I have a lot to do with that,” joked the King as he ended the presser.