CONCERNS over Bronny James’ lackluster performance in the Los Angeles Lakers’ opening preseason game have been brushed off by head coach JJ Redick.
The shooting guard managed just one of his 12 field-goal attempts in the Lakers’ 81-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
But Redick insisted the performance was just a step along the way for the 20-year-old’s development.
The coach said following the game: “He is so much more comfortable and confident as a player.
“Skill-wise, read-wise, all of those things have improved, but there’s a big difference between improving those things in individual workouts and small group settings, and doing it 5-on-5.
“He’s a totally different player than he was a year ago.”
James was selected 55th overall in the 2024 draft to join his legendary father LeBron at Los Angeles.
His debut in October against the Minnesota Timberwolves went into the history books as the first time a father and son played together in the NBA.
But since then, James has been grinding things out in spells with the Lakers’ G League affiliate the South Bay Lakers, as he looks to develop and prove he was more than just a marketing pick.
Redick continued: “I thought the stuff that he did down in the G League last year was huge for him in developing a comfort level in playing at this level.”
James agreed with his assessment, emphasising the need to develop and not stress about the output for the moment.
He said of his performance: “I felt like they were pretty good shots. Not rushed, not 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 felt like I took some good shots.”
“Definitely felt like I was more comfortable, especially with the ball in my hands, and with the defensive and offensive schemes.
“But I’m just trying to feel it out. Feeling my way still and just continuing to grow.”
The 20-year-old still has five more preseason games to find his footing, and perhaps work his way back into the team.
But whether or not that is on the cards, James is remaining patient, and says he is not hanging everything on finding the breakthrough this season.
He added: “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 I’m just coming out and defending hard, playing my game, doing the nonnegotiables.
“So if JJ sees that, maybe he’ll give me an opportunity.”
The Lakers will next play against rivals the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
