In a chat with the media ahead of training camp, Lakers rookie Bronny James spoke candidly about his team, head coach JJ Redick, and expectations for the upcoming season. He admitted to feeling some nerves ahead of pre-season but also expressed excitement over the chance to learn from the best.
“Of course, there are nerves,” said James. “Firsts with everything. I’m just excited to go out there and learn and learn from the people playing in front of me. And if I get a chance to showcase my skill, I’m gonna do that.”
A date has not yet been set for Bronny’s pre-season debut and we don’t know when he’ll play his first regular-season game either. For most second-round picks, it could be weeks or months into the season before they see their first real action but even as the 55th pick, James is not the ordinary teenage rookie.
His success this season will depend a lot on head coach JJ Redick, who is still fresh in the role. James had no idea what to expect with Reddick, but the first impressions have been solid so far.
“He’s been a great coach so far,” said Bronny. “It’s been amazing vibes in the facility so far. So I feel like it’s up the vibes from what it was last year from what I heard.”
Bronny, 19, was drafted 55th overall this summer. After his freshman season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points per game, James earned the trust of the Lakers with the help of his dad and his performance in the Summer League, where he showed flashes of his NBA potential.
After signing a four-year deal with the Lakers, it remains to be seen when Bronny will make his debut but the team already has an extensive plan for his development. After he makes history on opening week, the young baller will take some time in the G-League to get some quality run time and experience on the court.
Most importantly, the Lakers will not rush to expedite the process. Redick will take a safe and cautious approach with his rookies and he will let them learn through trial and error in practice and during games. Unlike in previous years, the locker room is in excellent condition and there is a sense of cohesion we didn’t see under Darvin Ham and Frank Vogel.
39-year-old LeBron James may not be good enough to carry the Lakers to the top of the standings but they can still surprise a lot of people if they play their cards right over the next few months. If Redick can set the proper tone out of the gate and get contributions from Bronny early on, it might set them on the path to exceeding expectations this season.
Whatever happens, Bronny isn’t just playing for the present, he’s playing for the future. As the next in line to the James empire, it’s essential for him to find his place on this team so he can carry the torch when LeBron retires. Fortunately, he seems more than up for the task so far and he’s got a coach in JJ Redick who will do anything to see him succeed.
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