Bronny James Shows Growth in Preseason Debut, Impresses Lakers Coach JJ Redick
Bronny james recently made his preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing noticeable development despite a challenging shooting night. While his 1-for-12 performance from the field might raise eyebrows, Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized a significant conversion in James’ game over the past year. This article dives into Bronny’s progress,the team’s evolving lineup,and what to expect as the preseason continues.
A Year of Development Pays Off
Redick clearly believes bronny has evolved. He stated James is “a totally different player than he was a year ago.” This improvement stems from a focused offseason and valuable experience gained in the G League.
Here’s a breakdown of Bronny’s growth areas:
* Comfort & Confidence: James appears more at ease handling the ball and understanding both offensive and defensive strategies.
* Skill Enhancement: His overall skillset and basketball IQ have demonstrably improved.
* G League Impact: Averaging 21.9 points and 5.5 assists in the G League provided crucial experience playing at a high level.
“Definately felt like I was more agreeable,especially with the ball in my hands,” Bronny said,acknowledging his ongoing adjustment. “I’m just trying to feel it out… continuing to grow.”
Lakers’ New Look & Preseason Focus
Bronny played nearly 23 minutes in the preseason game, entering with the first substitution group. He displayed consistent defensive effort, a key area Redick is focused on developing.
The Lakers are also integrating several new faces into their starting lineup:
* Austin Reaves: Led the starters with 20 points.
* Deandre Ayton: Contributed eight rebounds and two blocks, demonstrating a commitment to rim protection.
* Jake LaRavia: A newcomer looking to establish his role.
* Rui Hachimura & Jarred Vanderbilt: Rounding out the starting five.
Ayton, despite only scoring one point on two shots, made a clear statement with his defensive presence.
Seizing Opportunities & Looking Ahead
Bronny understands that regular season minutes may be limited.He’s steadfast to make the most of every preseason prospect.
“I’m just trying to feel it out, trying to get some reps in with the guys,” Bronny explained. “There’s probably not going to be as manny opportunities during the season, so I’m just coming out and defending hard, playing my game, doing the nonnegotiables.”
Redick plans to rest Luka dončić and LeBron James for Sunday’s preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. This provides Bronny with another valuable chance to showcase his progress.
Ultimately, Bronny’s dedication to improvement and Redick’s confidence in his potential suggest a bright future for the young Laker. You can expect him to continue pushing for playing time and contributing to the team’s success as the season unfolds.
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