PALM DESERT, Calif. — Three days shy of a 12 months after Bronny James made his preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on this desert enviornment, the NBA’s most well-known son resumed his quest to indicate he belongs within the huge leagues.
Although his 1-for-12 capturing efficiency wasn’t perfect, James felt his effort Friday night time was one other step ahead in a course of that’s already exhibiting outcomes to teach JJ Redick.
Bronny James scored eight factors whereas LeBron James and Luka Doncic sat out of the Lakers’ 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Bronny’s 40-year-old father is progressing intentionally in his return from a minor nerve harm to start his file twenty third NBA season, whereas Doncic is ramping up with warning after his busy summer time enjoying for Slovenia at EuroBasket.
That left loads of enjoying time within the Coachella Valley for depth gamers like Bronny James, who hit a 3-pointer late within the third quarter for his solely discipline purpose. He missed his different seven 3-point makes an attempt whereas struggling for buckets alongside fellow 2024 draft choose Dalton Knecht, who was 2-for-10 capturing and 1-for-7 from distance.
“I felt like they have been fairly good pictures,” mentioned Bronny James, who turns 21 on Monday. “Not rushed, not forcing something. Did not have my legs beneath me as a lot as I wished to, so lots of them have been quick, however most of them have been on line. I felt like I may have made these. I felt like I took some good pictures.”
Bronny’s confidence was undiminished by these misses after the Lakers opened their preseason in the identical enviornment the place he first performed alongside his well-known father in October 2024.
The Palm Springs-area followers who rumbled with anticipation each time Bronny touched the ball a 12 months in the past did not react a lot this time. The novelty of Bronny’s presence has pale whereas he continues to develop into one thing way more than a sideshow.
Bronny was within the Lakers’ first substitution group, and he performed almost 24 minutes. He gave a constant defensive effort with intermittent effectiveness as he works to turn into the affect defender that Redick believes he can turn into with extra development.
“Positively felt like I used to be extra snug, particularly with the ball in my arms, and with the defensive and offensive schemes,” Bronny mentioned. “However I am simply making an attempt to really feel it out. Feeling my method nonetheless and simply persevering with to develop.”
Bronny appeared in 27 video games for the Lakers throughout his rookie season, even making basketball historical past by enjoying alongside his father within the opener. However Bronny achieved a lot of his development within the G League, the place he averaged 21.9 factors and 5.5 assists per sport for the Lakers’ affiliate.
After a summer time of onerous work, Bronny is demonstrating progress to Redick.
“He’s a lot extra snug and assured as a participant,” Redick mentioned of Bronny. “Talent-wise, read-wise, all of these issues have improved, however there is a huge distinction between enhancing these issues in particular person exercises and small group settings and doing it 5-on-5. … He is a very totally different participant than he was a 12 months in the past. I believed the stuff that he did down within the G League final 12 months was big for him in growing a consolation degree in enjoying at this degree.”
Austin Reaves scored 20 factors to guide the Lakers’ starters, which included newcomers Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia with Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Bronny James wasn’t the one Lakers participant making an attempt to face out on protection. Ayton had eight rebounds and only one level whereas taking solely two pictures in 18 minutes, however he additionally blocked two pictures whereas demonstrating his dedication to defending the rim.
The Lakers’ preseason continues Sunday towards the Golden State Warriors. Redick mentioned Doncic additionally will sit out that sport in San Francisco, as will LeBron James.
Meaning Bronny James can have extra possibilities, and he stays decided to grab them.
“I am simply making an attempt to really feel it out, making an attempt to get some reps in with the fellows,” Bronny mentioned. “There’s most likely not going to be as many alternatives through the season, so I am simply popping out and defending onerous, enjoying my sport, doing the nonnegotiables. So if JJ sees that, perhaps he’ll give me a chance.”
