JJ Redick had plenty of praise for rookie guard Bronny James after the team’s final preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. Bronny, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, delivered his best performance of the preseason, scoring 17 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and recording 3 steals in a 132-74 loss. Despite the outcome, Redick emphasized the bigger picture in a post-game interview, noting the young guard’s growth and maturity on and off the court.
“I think for him and all our younger players, all the moments are building blocks. Not just the good moments. The bad moments are learning opportunities. I think you have to have a level of patience, a level of optimism. I’m very confident in the level of work that our young guys have had.”
“So, again, I think for him, I’m sure it felt good to have 17 points. I’m not even remotely concerned about that. It’s not even on my radar. We’re trying to help him grow into a great basketball player. I’m sure he feels good about it, and he should.”
“That’s important for, I think, every basketball player that’s ever touched the court to score points, but some of the other stuff I’ve seen real improvement and some attention to detail. And I’ve seen that from all our young guys. So yeah, I’m encouraged by all of it.” (2:42)
For Bronny James, Friday’s game was a significant confidence boost. His preseason had been underwhelming up to that point, with averages of 1.6 points per game on just 20% shooting in five prior games. However, in the Lakers‘ final preseason outing, Bronny found his rhythm, showing off a more polished offensive game and continuing to contribute on defense.
He shot 7-for-17 from the field, including 1-for-5 from beyond the arc, and made plays on both ends of the floor, a sign that his development is progressing in the right direction.
JJ Redick, who is in his first year as the Lakers’ head coach, has been tasked with helping Bronny transition from being LeBron James‘ son to carving out his own identity in the NBA. It’s a journey filled with pressure, but Redick has been impressed with how the young player has handled it.
Bronny’s path to the NBA was far from ordinary. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the rookie came into the league with immense expectations due to his father’s legacy. Yet, Bronny has embraced the challenge, working hard to prove himself and develop his skills under Redick’s guidance.
In the game against the Warriors, Bronny showed the poise and drive that have made him a fan favorite and someone worth watching. He also showcased his defensive prowess, with 3 steals tied for the most by any player in the game. His ability to make plays on both sides of the court bodes well for his future in the NBA, where two-way players are highly valued.
While his shooting is still a work in progress, Bronny’s willingness to attack and stay aggressive was a promising sign. Redick believes this is all part of the process of becoming a complete player.
As the Lakers prepare for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, Bronny’s performance gives fans and the team alike something to look forward to. While his role on the Lakers’ roster may still be evolving, his steady improvement and maturity off the court are signs that he’s on the right path. With LeBron James set to make history by playing alongside his son during the regular season, Bronny’s journey in the NBA is just beginning, and under Redick’s mentorship, the future looks bright.
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