Bronny James addressed reporters after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. When asked about the comfort he had during his career-high 17-point performance, he attributed his experience this season and the opportunities he has had at practice and in the G-League as reasons for him looking as good as he did on the night.
Reporter: “Bronny, just the level of comfort that it looked like you had out there – how did you feel and did any part of that come from a mindset perspective? As in – were you looking forward to the game knowing you were going to play? How did that evolve as the game went on?”
Bronny James: “Yeah, I’ve gained my confidence and comfort [through] just reps and getting out there and taking advantage of my opportunities if it’s given. So, just being ready at all times, that’s the biggest thing for me. Playing stay-ready games, practicing, and taking advantage like I did tonight. It’s been good for me so far.”
Bronny was even congratulated by Doc Rivers and Giannis Antetokounmpo after the game for his excellent showcase.
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Bronny had a brilliant game – the best of his NBA career so far. He put up 17 points (7-10 FG), three rebounds, five assists, and one block. Despite the loss, Bronny got a lot of big minutes and got the chance to show just how strong a player he can be when given the time to develop.
Bronny Speaks On JJ Redick, Criticism, And Bryce
Bronny also addressed a host of other topics in the press conference, including his relationship with Lakers coach JJ Redick, the expectations he had for himself coming into the season, the criticism he hears from people in the media, his brother’s aspirations in the sport, and how he feels now getting to play consistent basketball after an up-and-down campaign last year due to his heart issues.
Reporter: “JJ was talking to us about seeing your growth, going back before he was the coach, at the combine, he watched some video of you doing interviews. He texted your dad about it. How would you trace the evolution of you with JJ, what he’s told you up to this point?”
Bronny: “All the coaches believing in me and continuing to put that in my head that they believe in me and what I can do as a player. I was given an opportunity tonight to go show them what I’ve been working on while I’ve been sitting on the bench, in the G-League, getting reps, and stuff like that. Just constantly putting that in my head that they believe in me and that I can contribute.”
Reporter: “Bronny, what expectations did you put on yourself in training camp and preseason, and where does that square up with where you are at now – five months into your rookie season?”
Bronny: “Just going in and working as hard as I can. That’s all I can do – just learn. Be open-minded every time I come into work in the morning and be that same level-headed kid that’s just trying to get his work done. But also, taking advantage of those reps that I can get. Staying level-headed.
Reporter: “When we spoke with JJ, he acknowledged that there’s a lot of stuff you’ve had to deal with just because of who your dad is. Things you can understand far more than I can speak on. How has it been balancing that, trying to deal with that noise, deal with what’s written, while also just trying to focus on your game, your development, and things that you can control?”
Bronny: “Just putting my head down and working. I feel like that’s the only thing I can control – going in every day and staying ready to play, staying ready to learn, getting the work in after hours, early mornings, stuff like that.”
“Just all the controllable that I can do myself. There’s not much I can do about random people talking about me every day. Can’t really do much about that. I just go to the gym and work. Put my head down and try to get better every day.”
Reporter: “A lot of times, you mentioned that level-headedness – I’m sure that’s handy when there’s negativity floating. There’s going to be a lot of positivity, I would imagine after today. Does that level-headedness have to show up in the same way when you get back to work tomorrow?”
Bronny: “Yeah, for sure. I’m going to the gym tomorrow ready to work as hard as I did yesterday. Same approach for every day that I go into my job.”
Reporter: “Bronny, what was that stretch like for you – joining the team on the road with Milwaukee and Denver back-to-back as part of this six-games-in-eight-days stretch? JJ said he doesn’t feel like modern players should be playing three consecutive back-to-backs. What have the last eight days been like for you personally, but also for the team?”
Bronny: “Just taking advantage of my opportunities. Whether that’s given to me today or the game against Denver – just being ready… Keeping that same mindset, being ready, and being confident in myself.”
Reporter: “With your younger brother [Bryce] winning the state championship, you being at this stage in your basketball career, I’m just wondering what you’re advice to him is as an older brother and what guidance you have for him as he embarks on his basketball career?”
Bronny: “I’d say – when we were younger, the main thing I liked to push to him was just having fun, playing your game, and being confident in yourself. He’s a senior now – just having that mindset of working. A lot of kids out there want to be in my spot or his spot and you can’t take that for granted. Just keep working.”
Reporter: “Last year you didn’t get to play as much basketball as you’d like to. Just physically, how much are you feeling like yourself, your game shape, all of that – how much of that do you still feel like you can get to?”
Bronny: “I feel like it’s all coming back. Being out for that long, stuff that I had to go through, wind-wise and lung-wise – I think I’m getting more comfortable as I get the reps under me and get the games under me in practices and learning… It’s good for me.”
After a rough start to life in the NBA, where he faced a lot of criticism from analysts for not being ‘NBA material’, he kept his head down, worked hard, got his reps in the G-League, and became a better player over the last few months. Bronny spoke about how the criticism from outside has affected him, but it’s good to see that the rookie didn’t let it affect his performances in the long run.
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