Bronny James Shows Promising Growth, Despite Quiet Preseason Debut for Lakers
Despite a statistically quiet preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the progress of second-year player Bronny James. The former second-round pick has demonstrated noticeable strides since his performance in summer League and has carried that momentum into the early stages of training camp, even if it didn’t immediately translate to the box score in the 103-81 defeat.
James struggled with his shooting in his preseason debut, converting only one of twelve field goal attempts. He finished with eight points, five of which came from the free throw line, with his lone made basket being a three-pointer. However, Redick emphasized that the statistical output doesn’t fully reflect James’s progress.
“He is so much more cozy and confident as a player,” Redick stated. “Skill-wise, read-wise, all of those things have improved, but there’s a big difference between improving those things in individual workouts and small group settings and then doing it 5-on-5. I have just felt like all of September and in our first three days of camp,he just looks more comfortable and confident. He’s a totally different player than he was a year ago.”
Last season, James saw limited action with the Lakers, averaging 6.7 minutes across 27 appearances. He spent a significant portion of the year with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he excelled, averaging 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals in 11 games. This experience proved crucial in his development.
The question remains whether James will secure a roster spot with the Lakers this season or continue his development in the G League. however,assistant coach Nate McMillan previously indicated that James has the potential to earn playing time at the NBA level in his second year.
Redick highlighted the importance of James’s G League experience, stating, “I thought the stuff that he did down in the G League last year with South Bay and Zach (Guthrie) and his staff was huge for him in just developing a comfort level with playing at this level.” He further emphasized that James’s continued growth hinges on his defensive impact, requiring improved conditioning and a thorough understanding of the team’s defensive schemes. “In terms of his growth, he’s going to have to be an impact defender, so it’s really about the conditioning and knowing our defenses and being disruptive. that’s, to me, where I’d like to see even more growth this year.”
Only fellow second-year player Dalton Knecht saw more playing time than James in the preseason opener, though Knecht also faced shooting struggles. The Lakers will likely utilize the remainder of the preseason to evaluate both young players and determine their roles for the upcoming season.
Redick also noted improvements in James’s offensive game, specifically his ability to create opportunities in the half-court. “I’ve talked to him a little bit about the chase action that he’s been doing,” Redick explained. “He’s such a dynamic mover. He has created a lot of thrust and pace in the half court for us using that chase. His feel offensively, from where it was last year to now, is a lot higher.”
