Palm Desert, California recently witnessed Bronny James’ return to preseason basketball with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a challenging shooting performance, his growth as a player has been noted by Coach JJ Redick.
Bronny’s Preseason Struggles
In his latest game, Bronny James recorded a 1-for-12 shooting rate, scoring only eight points. This performance came during the Lakers’ 103-81 loss against the Phoenix Suns. Key players LeBron James and Luka Doncic did not play, allowing Bronny more court time.
Game Highlights
- Bronny made one 3-pointer late in the game.
- He battled to find his scoring rhythm, missing seven 3-point attempts.
- Dalton Knecht, another 2024 draft pick, played alongside him, also struggling with a 2-for-10 shooting performance.
Despite these difficulties, Bronny expressed confidence in his shot selection. “I felt like I took some good shots,” he stated, highlighting the importance of staying confident in the face of challenges.
Coach’s Perspective
Coach JJ Redick commended Bronny’s development since last year, stating he is “a totally different player.” Bronny’s growth has been particularly evident in the G League, where he averaged 21.9 points and 5.5 assists per game last season. Redick emphasized the significance of translating practice skills into game situations.
Key Developments
- Bronny played nearly 24 minutes in the game.
- He demonstrated an improved defensive effort.
- He remains focused on further honing his skills and adapting to the team’s offensive and defensive systems.
The Lakers’ current roster includes new players such as Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. Austin Reaves led the starters with 20 points, while Ayton contributed defensively with eight rebounds and two blocks.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ preseason continues against the Golden State Warriors, where both LeBron James and Luka Doncic are expected to remain sidelined. This presents additional opportunities for Bronny to showcase his skills and further solidify his place on the team.
As Bronny James prepares for the upcoming game, his determination to improve remains strong. “I’m just trying to get some reps in with the guys,” he remarked, eager to make an impact this season.
