bleacherreport
Following the Los Angeles Lakers' 101-89 preseason defeat to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, head coach JJ Redick shared a mixed evaluation of rookie guard Bronny James. While Redick praised James's offseason work, he acknowledged that the young player's game performances have not met expectations.
"I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us," Redick remarked during his postgame press conference. "I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games, but he's had good practices. Some of it's just rhythm. Some of it's who he's playing with. He's played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games, with our two-way guys."
James has suited up for all four of the Lakers' preseason contests, logging an average of 17.5 minutes per game. During that stretch, he has contributed 2.8 points on 26.7% shooting from the field, along with 3.3 assists and 0.5 steals per outing. Although preseason stats often come with a grain of salt, James's shooting efficiency below 30% raises concerns.
At 22 years old, James is entering a pivotal season for his Lakers career. With a team option for the 2027-28 season, he must demonstrate growth and prove he can be a reliable contributor off the bench. However, similar to his first two years, James will have limited opportunities to refine his skills while the Lakers prioritize winning now.
Key Analysis
Redick's comments highlight the delicate balance between development and immediate team goals. The coach will favor lineups that give the Lakers the best chance to win, leaving James with a narrow window to make an impression. His final preseason audition comes Friday night when the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.