In his debut preseason outing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, made an impression despite the team’s overwhelming 132-74 defeat to the Golden State Warriors. Bronny managed to put up 17 points, an effort that stood out in the challenging game. The rookie's performance included four rebounds, three steals, and a block, although he experienced challenges from the field, missing 10 of his 17 shots. His solitary success from five attempts beyond the arc also highlighted the adjustments still needed in his shooting approach.
Bronny’s introduction to the preseason unfolded without the shadow of Stephen Curry, who did not play for the Warriors. Nevertheless, the game offered a valuable platform for the young James and his coaching team to evaluate and grow from the experience. During his time on the floor, the Lakers were heavily outscored, trailing by 60 points, which underscored the development opportunities awaiting the youthful squad.
Veteran sports analyst JJ Redick weighed in on Bronny’s performance and its implications. He viewed the game as a critical learning canon for both Bronny and his young peers. “I think for him and all our younger players, they’re all building blocks ... not just the good moments, the bad moments are learning opportunities,” Redick explained, emphasizing the value of experiences, both triumphant and testing, in shaping a player’s career.
Redick’s comments further painted a picture of Bronny as a dedicated athlete eager to improve and learn. “Yes, he’s a very grounded young man who is very coachable and has a very good head on his shoulders,” he noted, indicating a readiness and maturity in Bronny that bodes well for his continued development under professional tutelage. Such attributes are especially vital as expectations loom large over Bronny, owing not just to his surname, but to his own burgeoning career trajectory.
There’s a unique pressure associated with being Bronny James, something Redick acknowledges. “A couple of conversations that I’ve had with him just about what it’s like to be him... I’m sure there are some amazing things that come with being him. There are probably some hard things that come with being him, too,” he elaborated. This dual-edged sword of fame and familial legacy can be both a boon and a challenge for emerging talents like Bronny, steering his path with distinct advantages and hurdles.
Redick made it clear that while 17 points were a noticeable achievement for Bronny, the focus extends beyond the stat sheet. “I think for [Bronny], I’m sure it felt good to have 17 points; I’m not even remotely concerned about that. It’s not even on my radar. We’re trying to help him grow into a great basketball player,” he stated. The emphasis here is on growth, with the coaching perspective prioritizing holistic development over immediate scoring prowess.
Bronny’s tenure with the Lakers offers a fresh canvas for a legacy-in-the-making, and he is seen as a pleasure to coach, as Redick succinctly put it: “He’s a pleasure to coach.” This insight, shared by Redick, highlights the positive atmosphere and promising potential better-known family pedigrees bring to the team. As Bronny navigates his inaugural season, the Lakers’ strategy appears aligned with nurturing not just athleticism but a foundational understanding of the game in his young career.
As the preseason proceeds, Bronny James will likely continue to be a focal point for the Lakers, a figure of emblematic energy and aspiration. The spotlight is intense, the expectations high, but under sturdy guidance and with intrinsic grit, Bronny is positioned to carve his path in the NBA, contributing to the evolving narrative of one of basketball’s most famous families.