Bronny James made his long-awaited preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. While the debut wasn’t statistically impressive, recording just 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and an impressive 3 blocks, it provided valuable insights into Bronny’s potential and areas for growth. Following the game, Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts on Bronny’s performance and future prospects.
“Yeah, as a coaching staff, before the game, we were, as we were kind of going over our final rotation matrix, we were talking about Bronny, and he’s had some really good days in August and September. He’s had three really good days this week. We’re really happy with his progress.”
“The kid, you know, he can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique and can, I think, turn into a really disruptive defender and that manifested itself.”
“On the offensive end, he’s still kind of figuring out who he is, and that’s our job as a player development program just to build him up. But I like what I saw from Bronny.”
“Truthfully, he’s so easy to coach, and he’s got a great soul and just a great energy about him. I like being around him and I’m rooting for him. He’s a good player that we are happy to have in our program.”
Despite the modest offensive output, Bronny’s defensive efforts did not go unnoticed. Bronny’s three blocks in 16 minutes highlighted his defensive instincts and ability to impact the game on that end of the floor. Redick emphasized that Bronny’s defensive contributions are a promising sign of his potential to become a key defensive asset for the Lakers.
However, Redick was candid about the areas where Bronny needs improvement. Bronny struggled offensively, missing five shots before finally scoring a layup in the final minute of the game. This performance aligns with Bronny’s recent statistics from the NBA 2K25 Summer League, where he averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, shooting 35.0% from the field and 15.8% from beyond the arc.
Redick sees potential in Bronny becoming a solid role player if he can develop his three-point shooting and offensive consistency. This highlights the critical area for Bronny’s growth—offensive versatility and shooting proficiency.
One of the standout comments from Redick was about Bronny’s attitude and coachability. This positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential traits that can significantly aid Bronny’s development and integration into the team.
The Lakers are optimistic about Bronny’s future, recognizing that he is still in the early stages of his NBA journey. With continued support from the coaching staff and ample opportunities to develop his game, Bronny has the potential to grow into a valuable contributor for the Lakers. Redick’s balanced assessment underscores both the promise and the challenges ahead for Bronny as he navigates his rookie season.
Adding to the significance of Bronny’s debut was the presence of his father, LeBron James, who watched from the bench. While LeBron remained largely off the court during the game, he engaged with Bronny during a timeout, providing guidance and support. This moment was not only meaningful for Bronny but also highlighted the mentorship and encouragement he receives from one of the greatest players in NBA history.
JJ Redick’s comments following Bronny James’ preseason debut provide a nuanced perspective on the young player’s potential and areas for improvement. While Bronny showed impressive defensive skills, his offensive game requires further development to establish himself in the NBA. With a positive attitude, strong support system, and continued development, Bronny James has the foundation to grow into a significant role player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the seasons to come.
