Bronny James: Cold debut but Redick praises his progress at Lakers

In the desert of Palm Desert, California, Bronny James, the son of the famous NBA player, resumed his path to prove that he deserves a place in the league. This happened almost a year after his preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.Despite a 1-of-12 shooting performance, James felt his effort on Friday was another step forward, showing positive results for coach JJ Redick.In the game against the Phoenix Suns, where the Lakers fell 103-81, Bronny scored eight points. LeBron James and Luka Doncic did not participate in the game.Bronny’s 40-year-old father is gradually recovering from a minor nerve injury to start his 23rd NBA season, while Doncic is cautiously increasing his pace after his intense participation in the EuroBasket with Slovenia.This allowed players like Bronny James to have more time on the court in the Coachella Valley. James scored a three-pointer in the third quarter, being his only successful field goal. He missed his other seven three-point attempts and struggled to score alongside Dalton Knecht, who had a record of 2 of 10 in shots and 1 of 7 from distance.Bronny James, who will turn 21 on Monday, commented: “I felt like they were good shots. I didn’t force anything. I didn’t have my legs how I wanted, that’s why many were short, but most were on the line. I feel like I could have made them. I think I took good shots.”Bronny’s confidence was not affected by these misses after the Lakers began their preseason on the same court where he first played with his father in October 2024.Palm Springs fans, who were thrilled every time Bronny touched the ball a year ago, didn’t react much this time. The novelty of Bronny’s presence has diminished as he continues to grow and prove his worth.

Bronny was in the first group of substitutions for the Lakers and played almost 24 minutes. He showed a consistent defensive effort with intermittent effectiveness, seeking to become the impact defender that Redick believes he can become with more development.Bronny commented: “I definitely felt more comfortable, especially with the ball in my hands, and with the defensive and offensive schemes. But I’m trying to feel it out. I’m still exploring and just trying to grow.”During his rookie season, Bronny participated in 27 games with the Lakers, and even made history by playing alongside his father in the inaugural game. Much of his progress was made in the G League, where he averaged 21.9 points and 5.5 assists per game with the Lakers’ affiliate team.After a summer of hard work, Bronny is showing progress to Redick.It’s much more comfortable and confident as a player. As for skills, readings, all those things have improved, but there’s a big difference between improving those things in individual training and in small groups and doing it in a 5-on-5 game… He’s a totally different player than he was a year ago. I think what he did in the G League last year was crucial for him to develop a level of comfort playing at this level.Austin Reaves led the Lakers starters with 20 points, which included new players Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, along with Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt.Bronny James wasn’t the only Lakers player who tried to stand out on defense. Ayton grabbed eight rebounds and only scored one point, with just two shots in 18 minutes, but he also blocked two shots, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the rim.The Lakers’ preseason continues on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. Redick reported that Doncic will also not play in that game in San Francisco, as will LeBron James.This means that Bronny James will have more opportunities and is determined to seize them.”I’m just trying to feel it out, trying to get some reps with the guys,” Bronny said. “There probably won’t be as many opportunities during the season, so I’m going out there and defending hard, playing my game, doing what’s expected. So if JJ sees that, maybe he’ll give me a shot.”