The Los Angeles Lakers turned to Jaden Hardy off the bench over Bronny James for the second straight game in their preseason finale loss to the Denver Nuggets. They have had additional opportunities in the backcourt with Collin Sexton out. The backup point guard missed the entire preseason with a leg injury, but is trending in the right direction. Bronny got the nod in Sexton’s spot in the first three games, but head coach JJ Redick has flipped to Hardy in the final two.

James had a disastrous preseason where he averaged 2.2 points, 2.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 turnovers in 16.4 minutes per game. The 6’2 guard shot four of 16 from the field and made just one 3-pointer in five games. He proved he’s not a point guard and even forced coach Redick to discuss Bronny’s struggles.

The Lakers’ shot-creation issues behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are already a talking point. They clearly need more help to survive the 82-game regular season, but coach Redick is preparing to go with what he has. Hardy has clearly passed Bronny in the last two games and was the better player in the preseason finale against the Nuggets.

Jaden Hardy outplayed Bronny James again in the final preseason game

Hardy scored 13 points in 14 minutes against the Nuggets. He made five of his nine field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers. Hardy is a score-first player who never lacks confidence. Ideally, he wouldn’t be a needed shot creator for any contending roster, but the 6’3 guard will get buckets.

Bronny was coming off arguably the worst game of his career and followed it with another scoreless outing. The 22-year-old finished with one rebound, one assist, and one turnover in 12 minutes of action. Bronny didn’t play until the second half and is clearly not part of the nightly rotation to start the regular season.

The Lakers changed up their starting five to move Quentin Grimes to the bench. Doing so gives LA more scoring and shot creation in the second unit. Sadly, they need Grimes to start, which leaves minutes open for a reserve guard.

The purple and gold want to compete for a championship and know every game counts. It is why coach Redick has to go with the best option right now in his rotation.

Jaden Hardy is a better player than Bronny James right now

Hardy had 13 turnovers to six assists this preseason, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. The Lakers have a new-look roster. They are still trying to figure things out, which meant Hardy played with several different groups. The 6’3 guard still managed to score 50 points and had several positive moments.

Bronny struggled. He isn’t a point guard, but his jumper isn’t falling either. James’ shooting leap was impressive last season, but the preseason has fans wondering if it was a fluke. Bronny doesn’t have an offensive role right now. He can’t make plays or shots. The Lakers can’t afford to play someone who can’t contribute on one end of the floor.

Hardy will shoot. He is a career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter and just scored 12.6 points per game to close last season with the Wizards. The Lakers need offense in the second unit. They can’t afford to be picky. Hardy will struggle to create for others, but he can get a bucket and provide positive offensive value.

Bronny James must play better ASAP to stick with the Lakers

Bronny’s disappointing preseason has muddied his future. He is making $2.2 million this season, and the Lakers have a $2.4 million team option for next season. Without an extension, Bronny will be an unrestricted free agent in 2028. If he wants to stick with the Lakers, he must improve quickly.

The purple and gold want to chase the championship. They cannot afford to have someone who can’t help them win taking up a roster spot. Bronny has to crack the rotation to stick long-term. Otherwise, the Lakers will move on and find someone else who impacts winning.

This is quickly becoming a now-or-never situation. The Lakers love his work ethic and desire to prove himself beyond being LeBron’s son. LA can’t make Bronny a point guard overnight, but they can help him iron out his shot. James being an off-ball shooter works with Luka and AR running the show. The 22-year-old must realize that things need to happen quickly. Sadly, it just may not.

Jaden Hardy has clearly passed Bronny James in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation. He is ready to make a positive offensive impact right now. Both players have defensive issues, so Hardy is the clear choice for the purple and gold. All Bronny can do is keep improving and force his way into the mix whenever he gets a chance to prove himself again.

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