Bronny James may still be finding his footing in the NBA, but after the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, the young guard made it clear that his comfort level, both with the ball and within JJ Redick’s system, is growing.
“Definitely felt like I was more comfortable, especially with the ball in my hands and with the defensive and offensive schemes,” Bronny said after the Lakers’ 103-81 defeat.
“But, you know, just trying to feel it out, trying to feel out my role still, just continuing to grow during the season.”
James finished the night with eight points, five rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes, though he shot just 1-for-12 from the field, including 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. The numbers weren’t eye-catching, but his poise and understanding of the game stood out.
It was a promising sign for a player looking to carve out a bigger role in Year 2. Last season, Bronny averaged 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes per game across 27 appearances, mostly in limited stints off the bench. His opportunities were few, but this summer’s standout showing in the NBA Summer League gave fans and coaches a glimpse of his growth.
He played with confidence, showed improved ball-handling and defensive anticipation, and looked more assertive as a playmaker, all reasons why he’s expected to take on a larger role this year.
The Lakers, playing without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, and several other rotation players, struggled to find rhythm offensively. Still, Bronny James embraced the opportunity to handle the ball and run the team’s offense for stretches, something he wasn’t often asked to do as a rookie.
“I feel like JJ was looking for effort and competitiveness for the most part,” Bronny said when asked what Redick wanted from him.
“We haven’t had many practices together, so just looking to go out there and play hard, non-negotiables, and compete for the whole game. I feel like we did an okay job of that. Kind of died down at the end, but we’re still getting our legs under us, and that’s gonna come during the season.”
Even though his shot didn’t fall, Bronny wasn’t discouraged by his performance. Instead, he focused on the process and making the right decisions.
“I feel like they were pretty good shots. It wasn’t rushed, wasn’t forcing anything. Didn’t have my legs under me as much as I wanted to, so a lot of them were short. But most of them were on line. I felt like I could have made those. I think I took some good shots.”
Bronny’s confidence and patience mirror the maturity that many around the Lakers organization have praised him for. While expectations for his sophomore campaign remain tempered, there’s a growing belief that his understanding of spacing, timing, and defensive positioning has improved significantly since last season.
The preseason is especially valuable for him.
“I’m just trying to feel it out, trying to get some reps in with the guys. There’s probably not going to be as many opportunities during the season, so just coming out and playing hard, playing my game, and doing the non-negotiables, so JJ sees that and maybe gives me an opportunity during the season.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment, saying he’s emphasizing fundamentals and communication in these early games.
“Three things, run, talk, compete. Our ability to run and play hard was pretty good. Our talk wasn’t, and there were stretches that weren’t competitive. But there’s room for growth.”
Despite the poor shooting night, Bronny’s activity on defense, rebounding effort, and willingness to play within the system were encouraging. His comfort with the ball and with the Lakers’ schemes suggests that his Year 2 leap may not come from scoring outbursts but from consistent, reliable two-way play.
For now, Bronny James is focused on earning his minutes the hard way.
It’s a humble, grounded approach, one that’s starting to make him look like a real NBA guard.
