Lakers' Bronny James Says He's Been Trying to Prove 'I Belong' in NBA amid Criticism

Bronny James says that his goal has been to prove that he belongs in the NBA regardless of his connection with his father, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

"That I belong. That's all I've been trying to prove," James told Fox Sports' Melissa Rohlin.

The Lakers' 2024-25 season ended on Wednesday night with a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the first round.

James made his NBA playoff debut in Game 1 and saw minimal playing time in Game 3, both losses. He didn't see the court in either of the final two games of the Lakers' series.

The No. 55 pick of the 2024 draft finished his first NBA season having appeared in 27 regular-season games and making one start.

He averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 6.7 minutes per game, shooting 31.3 percent from the field and 28.1 percent from deep but looking more confident as the season wore on.

James saw significantly more playing time in his 11 G League appearances, where he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from three-point range.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told reporters after the Lakers' season-ending loss on Wednesday the franchise would do "whatever we can" to meet LeBron James' roster expectations as the superstar eyes his $52.6 million player option for next season.

If those expectations include playing time for Bronny, the 20-year-old may get even more chances to prove his NBA readiness during his second season in the league.