Chalien Dantes/Contributor

While Bronny James didn’t wrap up the NBA Summer League with a bang, his offseason is far from over. The Los Angeles Lakers guard is set to suit up in the famed Drew League, a storied pro-am basketball league based in South Central Los Angeles.

Founded in 1973 by Alvin Willis, the Drew League has long been a pillar of the community, bringing together elite talent and local fans through the game of basketball. What started at Charles Drew Junior High School as a neighbourhood event has grown into a proving ground where high school stars, college standouts, and NBA legends come to compete. 

Over the years, the league has featured the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Paul Pierce, Paul George, and even Bronny’s father, LeBron James. Now, it’s Bronny’s turn to step into that spotlight. Coming off his rookie year with the Lakers, the 20-year-old guard appeared in 27 games, averaging 2.3 points per contest. But during the NBA Summer League, he showed major improvement, posting averages of 14.3 points and 3.8 assists per game. 

His standout performance came in a matchup against the Boston Celtics, where he dropped 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out three assists. The Lakers finished last season with a solid 50–32 record but were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

As LeBron James gears up for his 23rd NBA season at age 40, Bronny continues to grow under the weight of immense expectations not just as a young player, but as the son of one of the greatest to ever play the game. For Bronny, the Drew League isn’t just another summer run, it’s a stage. A chance to compete, connect with the community, and carve out his own name in a league that demands toughness, skill, and swagger.

This summer, all eyes will be on him. And the Drew League might just be where Bronny James begins to truly come into his own.