Bronny James has been a lightning rod for fans since he was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers last year. Many critics thought that Bronny was drafted as a nepotism play to keep his father, LeBron James, happy.
Bronny struggled in his time in the NBA last season, but showed improvement during his time in the G League on the South Bay Lakers.
However, with free agency looming, the Lakers have been making roster moves. When the Opening Day comes, will Bronny be on the Lakers’ roster? We asked ChatGPT and Google Gemini to break down his odds.
For more analysis about all the NBA offseason, EasySportz has it covered.
Google Gemini’s Answer
Based on recent reporting and roster projections, his odds of making the LA Lakers’ opening day roster for the 2025-2026 season appear to be very high.
Here’s why:
- Under Contract: Reports indicate that the Lakers already have Bronny James under contract for the 2025-26 season at a salary of around $1.1 million (or $1.9 million depending on the source). This suggests he’s already a part of their plans.
- LeBron Factor: The widely speculated reason for the Lakers drafting Bronny was to potentially entice his father, LeBron James, to remain with the team. While LeBron has a player option for 2025-26, having Bronny on the roster could certainly influence his decision.
- Summer League Exposure: Bronny is set to headline the Lakers’ Summer League roster, indicating the team’s intention to give him playing time and evaluate his development.
- Roster Projections: Several early 2025-26 Lakers roster projections include Bronny James as a player on the team.
While a rookie’s place is never guaranteed, especially a late second-round pick, the unique circumstances surrounding Bronny James and the Lakers, particularly the presence of his father, make it highly probable that he will be on the opening day roster for the 2025-26 season.
ChatGPT’s Answer
Odds and Betting Props
A recent prop-odds article noted he’s the longest shot on most betting boards, with odds around +25 000, which translates to roughly a 0.4 % implied probability of making the roster or winning a similar bet
Team Outlook & Insider Expectations
Despite early struggles and a G-League-focused rookie year, Western Conference executives view Bronny’s 2025-26 role as more notable. One insider remarked: “If he can show that wasn’t a fluke, he is going to start getting 10–15 minutes a night…”
Another executive emphasized his improvement: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that’s their plan… He is going to be a regular for them next year.”
Roster & Cap Context
The Lakers, over the salary cap, have limited flexibility. Bronny is on a guaranteed four-year, rookie-scale deal, so making the roster is more about earning minutes, not financial necessity .
He’ll be competing for a guard/wing minutes spot, likely settling into a 10–15 min per game role off the bench—as the insiders expect he will.
Bottom Line: Will Bronny Make Opening Night Roster?
Betting odds (~0.4%) are extremely low—he’s viewed as a long shot in pure betting terms. Insider sentiment, however, paints a different picture: if he keeps progressing, 10–15 MPG and a rotation spot feel likely.
Realistically, with roster and financial constraints limiting incoming veterans, the Lakers seem inclined to lean into developing Bronny rather than cut him—assuming continued growth.
Conclusion? Odds-on betting suggests slim chances, but team context and insider confidence hint he’s probably safe for the roster and could carve out a bench role.
