Bronny James sees role alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves

Bronny James doesn’t know exactly what his role will be with the Lakers this season. But he does seem to know what he’ll need to do if he gets one.

James, entering his third NBA season and his first without father LeBron James as a teammate, said he’s spent the summer preparing to play both on and off the ball alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“I’m all across the board, I’m trying to get better,” James told ESPN Los Angeles. “I’m playing with Luka and AR still, so I’m going to be, you know, off-ball when it’s needed. I need to be able to knock down shots and create for others. And I think I’ve been doing a good job with that this summer.”

That’s probably the path. Doncic and Reaves will have the ball plenty, meaning James won’t be asked to run the Lakers’ offense. He believes he can help when either needs somebody else to handle it.

“I feel like I can be a secondary ball handler to Luka and AR and generate whatever offense, and catch-and-shoots and pick-and-roll offense and stuff like that,” James said. “I just pride myself in being an all-around player and whatever is needed, I’m up for it.”

Of course, first he has to secure his place on the roster. Los Angeles currently has 16 players on guaranteed contracts and must get down to 15 before the season. James is among several players whose futures have generated speculation.

Today, clearly, he’s preparing as if he’ll be there.

“Everyone’s great,” James said of the Lakers’ new additions. “We’ve been in the gym working. There’s good vibes everywhere.”