Bronny James Might Be Wrong About The Los Angeles Lakers

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PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are always one of the most highly talked about teams in all of sports.

Recently, stars such as LeBron James, Luka Doncic, head coach JJ Redick (and LeBron’s son Bronny) have added even more eyeballs to the franchise on a daily basis.

On Thursday night, the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns (who were playing without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks) by a score of 113-110.

Bronny James Might Be Wrong About The Lakers

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Over their last two games, the Lakers have shown a lot of vulnerabilities in their ability to actually make a run in the 2026 postseason.

In addition to LeBron showing some signs of his age (at 41), Deandre Ayton has scored four points or less in two out of the last three games.

Law Murray of The Athletic wrote: “The Lakers were outscored by 30 points in the 16 minutes that Deandre Ayton was on the floor last night without one of Luka, LeBron, or AR on the floor with him. Phoenix Suns made 7 of their 8 3-point attempts in those 16 minutes”

Earlier this month, Bronny had his best game of the 2025-26 season when he put up 12 points while shooting 5/10 from the field (and 2/2 from three-point range).

The Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 136-108.

After the game, the former USC guard made a bold statement about the team.

He said: “I know that our team believes that we can be contenders and make a deep playoff run… We all believe that.”

While Bronny was saying the right thing, it’s possible that him (and his teammates) will be very wrong.

The Lakers are in the middle of another strong regular season, but they are also coming off a year where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.

After their most recent loss, the Lakers are now the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 34-24 record in 58 games.

Charles Barkley said (on Friday night, via NBA on ESPN): “The Lakers out here tanking right now. Adam Silver gotta fine them soon, because they just out here tanking. The Lakers are tanking, man. The Lakers lost to the Suns last night… They’re closer to the play-in than they are first-place.”

While Barkley was playing around, the Lakers are showing weakness as a team who is supposed to be among the Western Conference’s elite.

Even with Luka Doncic scoring 41 points, they were unable to beat a shorthanded Suns team.

On Saturday, the Warriors will resume action against the Golden State Warriors (in San Francisco).

Law Murray of The Athletic wrote: “The Los Angeles Lakers are doubtful to have Rui Hachimura (illness) for Saturday at Golden State. Not having Hachimura was a hot mess for them in Phoenix Warriors remain without Stephen Curry, but Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable and Draymond Green (back) is probable”

GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 12, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and his son Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during warmups before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Lakers last won a title during the 2020 season.

They reached the Western Conference finals in 2023.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. 

He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar