In a night marked by a combination of learning and reflection, Bronny James made his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors. While the scoreboard was heavily tilted in favor of the Warriors, with a final line reading 132-74, the focus was very much on the rising prospect, who showed a glimpse of his potential in the NBA landscape.
Bronny, whose first taste of the NBA preseason was evident in his play, managed to score an impressive 17 points despite the team's deficit. His performance showcased the dual nature of a developing player finding his footing: promising yet punctuated with opportunities for growth. The young guard collected four rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block, demonstrating an all-around contribution to the team's effort.
However, the night was not without its challenges for James. Out of 17 attempts, he faced difficulty with his shooting accuracy, missing 10 shots—a statistic that included only one successful conversion out of five three-point attempts. The Lakers found themselves trailing significantly during his time on the floor, outscored by 60 points in totality when Bronny was active.
Coachable and Grounded
Despite the turbulent start, JJ Redick, a seasoned voice in the world of basketball and closely watching James's development, emphasized the learning potential in such moments. "I think for him and all our younger players, they're all building blocks ... not just the good moments, the bad moments are learning opportunities," Redick noted. His comments reflect a broader philosophy that sees growing pains as intrinsic to emerging talent on such a prestigious stage.
The aspect of Bronny's demeanor was another point of discussion among the coaching staff. "Yes, he's a very grounded young man who is very coachable and has a very good head on his shoulders," Redick added, highlighting the young player's adaptable nature—a trait that both coaches and teammates find valuable in the demanding environment of professional basketball.
The Weight of Expectation
The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny has a unique perspective on the game given the wealth of knowledge and pressure that comes with carrying such a storied surname. This brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, as Redick shared, "A couple of conversations that I've had with him just about what it's like to be him... I'm sure there are some amazing things that come with being him. There are probably some hard things that come with being him, too."
For Bronny, the experience of such a night brings with it a variety of emotions and insights. "I think for [Bronny], I'm sure it felt good to have 17 points; I'm not even remotely concerned about that. It's not even on my radar," said Redick, who is focused more on the potential for growth and development rather than the immediate statistical achievements. "We're trying to help him grow into a great basketball player.”
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, Bronny’s journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, all eager to see how his game evolves under the intense spotlight. Yet, amidst the pressure and expectations, what remains certain is that both the Lakers and James himself are committed to the process of growth and learning.
Redick summed up the team's sentiments about coaching Bronny, simply stating, "He's a pleasure to coach." These words, coming from a respected figure in basketball, hold a promise for what lies ahead for this young athlete venturing into the world of professional basketball.