Despite the ups and downs of his rookie season, Bronny James continues to make strides in the NBA. The young guard has been under intense scrutiny since his debut, with critics and analysts speculating about his place in the Lakers‘ lineup.
Recently, head coach JJ Redick stepped in to address some of the misleading narratives surrounding Bronny, particularly regarding his commitment to the G-League.
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Redick sets the record straight
During a recent press conference, Redick pushed back against claims that Bronny was only playing part-time for the South Bay Lakers. Reports from November 2024 suggested that Bronny would only participate in home games and avoid road trips, raising doubts about his dedication. Redick firmly denied this, stating, “I don’t know where that came from. That was never the plan.”
The coach emphasized that Bronny was receiving the same treatment as other young players on the team. “The way we’ve handled him is the same as with Trey [Jemison] and Christian [Wood]. We’ve worked closely with the South Bay Lakers staff to ensure his development is on track,” Redick explained. His remarks aimed to shut down speculation that Bronny was receiving special treatment or lacked commitment to his growth.
Bronny’s steady improvement
Despite the media attention, Redick remains impressed with Bronny’s maturity and work ethic. The coach recalled watching the young guard during the NBA Combine in May, where he recognized his potential. “I texted LeBron and told him, ‘Bronny’s got his head on straight. He gets it,'” Redick shared. He commended the way Bronny has handled public pressure, especially considering the high expectations placed on him due to his father’s legacy.
On the court, Bronny has shown flashes of promise. In a recent game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he put up 17 points, five assists, and shot an efficient 70% from the field, marking a milestone in his early career. Redick believes these performances highlight Bronny’s ability to adapt and grow, reinforcing his place within the Lakers‘ system.
Looking ahead
With Redick’s support and a clear path for development, Bronny James has a solid foundation to build on. While his long-term role in the Lakers‘ rotation is still unfolding, one thing is clear-he is willing to put in the work. The media may continue to scrutinize his journey, but as Redick emphasized, Bronny’s actions on the court speak louder than any rumor.
