Los Angeles Lakers' star Bronny James might keep the summer heat going with a late Drew League appearance
Bronny James, the young talent of the Los Angeles Lakers, may not be ready to put his sneakers away just yet this summer. After a solid performance in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, the 20-year-old rookie could be preparing for a late showing in the Drew League, which is one of the most legendary pro-am basketball circuits.
Recently, Drew League commissioner Dino Smiley teased this possibility during an interview with Mark Medina, stating, "I've heard Bronny, but nothing clear on that yet. I heard Bronny might play. But nothing concrete.".
Bronny James paid tribute to
LeBron James
' 2022 performance by wearing the same
Nike
LeBron
20s
The Drew League is way more than a simple summer pickup game—it's a beloved part of Los Angeles with a rich history in the basketball community. It started in 1973 with just six teams and has transformed into a stage for some of the sport's biggest stars.
It is held in South central LA when the league has become a trackhot in the summer with high school students, college and
NBA
stars with time to practice in the less than ideal conditions with competition. Throughout the years, it has been home to such legends as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul, meaning that it is a real test of talent and homage to the hoops culture.
The memorable moments of the Drew league occurred in 2022 when the father of Bronny, LeBron James, appeared at a pro-am barely.
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LeBron (MMV Cheaters) got 42 points and grabbed 16 rebounds with DeMar DeRozan in their 104-102 victory over Black Pearl Elite after a decade and a half absence in such games.
The crowd went crazy, and this moment really established the Drew League as a venue for basketball greatness. Just earlier this month, Bronny paid homage to that game by wearing the same Nike LeBron 20s his dad wore back in 2022 during his California Classic games.
Dino Smiley's remarks spark buzz around Bronny James possibly playing in the Drew League
This summer, Bronny James has been making significant progress, showing that he's more than just LeBron's son—he's a player with his own potential. In the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged 14.2 points while shooting 47.6 percent and also recorded 3.8 assists over four games.
This was a clear improvement from his rookie season with the Lakers, where he played in 27 games and averaged a modest 2.3 points per game.
While those early NBA stats were quite humble, they marked the start of his journey, and his Summer League performance suggests he's starting to find his groove.
LeBron James Drops 42 PTS & 16 REB In Drew League Return 👀
With the Drew League on the way, Bronny has a chance to keep that momentum going. Dino Smiley's comments to Mark Medina of RG.org have ignited some speculation — 'I've heard Bronny might play,' Smiley said, though he cautioned that nothing is set in stone.
Also Read:
'It ain't like I'm a small guy' — Markieff Morris dares Nikola Jokic's MMA-trained brothers to box
If Bronny gets to play, it might really change the game for his growth. More time on the court means more opportunities to gain confidence and sharpen his skills. A great performance could silence the critics and elevate his status as he enters his second year with the Lakers.
FAQs
What team does Bronny James play for in the NBA?
Bronny James plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
What did Bronny James say about his defensive mindset?
He said he must keep his defensive drive and become a 'defensive menace.'
What does Bronny James want to maintain in his playing style?
He wants to maintain a strong defensive presence.
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