The sophomore is slowly catching up to the Los Angeles Lakers’ style and pace. In the last four games, Bronny James has averaged 17.8 minutes, enough to hint at a growing impact. However, had JJ Redick given the 21-year-old more consistent run, that progress might have been easier to spot. At least, that’s what franchise legend James Worthy believes.

“Bronny, he’s making progress. It’s not always noticeable because he’s not getting a minute, but he’s starting to understand his space on the floor. Really good defensive end. Deflections. Not afraid to knock down shots. I like his progress.”

The 65-year-old, a three-time champion with the Lakers, praised Bronny after his 21-minute outing that featured 10 points, 3 assists, and a rebound in LA’s 119-103 win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Thursday. However, James’ overall scorecard for the 2025–26 season isn’t as impressive. An average of 8.6 minutes, 2.7 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 40 games underscores that gap, along with shooting splits of 39.6/35.3/85.7.

But a closer look at his last four appearances reveals a shift. Across that stretch, his role and efficiency have ticked upward – logging 17.8 minutes while producing 7.3 points, 1.8 assists, and 0.8 steals per game on 44.4% shooting from the field. The uptick may be subtle, but it points to a player growing more comfortable within the flow of the offense.

LeBron James’ message to the league last month now feels increasingly relevant. After the Lakers’ 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets, the 41-year-old addressed questions about his son’s development.

“It’s just getting back to where it was before the incident. He’s always been able to shoot the ball. He’s shot the ball at a high level pretty much throughout his years of playing ball,” James told the reporters.

He added, “So I just think the confidence and the rhythm and just getting his strength back and his wind and everything is just coming back. Like I said before the incident, so it’s not surprising to see him shooting the ball at a high clip.”

As you know, Bronny James‘ journey to the NBA wasn’t easy. The former USC Trojans standout and projected top pick had his trajectory altered after a cardiac arrest in the summer of 2023, forcing a pause that reshaped his early development. His rookie season, as a result, often looked cautious, more about regaining footing than asserting himself.

What comes next is less about flashes and more about opportunity. If these incremental gains continue, the real question is whether Redick can carve out steady minutes for a young guard beginning to look more settled within the rotation.

Bronny James assisted his father in the Lakers’ win

LeBron James returned against the Golden State Warriors after a one-game rest. He had Bronny James by his side and a team without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Well, in the game against the Dubs, the younger James played a pivotal role. With under a minute left in the first quarter, the 21-year-old picked off Charles Bassey and quickly pushed the ball ahead to LeBron, who finished it off with an easy dunk to make it 25-20.

With that sequence, the James duo etched their names in the NBA record books, recording the league’s first son-to-father assist. It came just weeks after they made history again with the first father-to-son assist during their March 27 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Worthy’s praise may signal progress, but its significance ultimately hinges on whether those flashes translate into a consistent role – because development, at this stage, is as much about trust as it is about production.