Redick Reflects on Bronny James’ Tough Night in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers was a night to remember, but perhaps not for the reasons rookie Bronny James would have hoped. Lakers coach JJ Redick found himself second-guessing his decision to bring the young guard into the rotation during the Lakers’ 118-104 loss on Tuesday.
Redick candidly admitted, “Maybe put him in a tough spot,” after James went 0-for-5 with three turnovers in 15 minutes. “Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G [League].”
James had been honing his skills with the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Lakers, when he was called up to join the main squad in the midst of their five-game road trip. The Lakers’ No. 55 pick in the second round in June, Bronny is the eldest son of NBA star LeBron James. He hadn’t seen significant minutes for the Lakers since the opening night, a historic moment when the James family became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together.
With backup Gabe Vincent sidelined due to a left knee injury, Redick decided to give Bronny a chance in the first quarter against Philadelphia, with L.A. leading 17-9. “Just felt like on a back-to-back, just him giving us energy, I think, was the goal,” Redick explained. “I have confidence in him, but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level.”
The 6-foot-2 guard faced immediate challenges, particularly from the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey, who scored 43 points and targeted Bronny defensively. Bronny also struggled offensively, turning the ball over on a pass intended for Anthony Davis, which led to a transition dunk by Guerschon Yabusele.
Reflecting on the matchup, Bronny said of Maxey, “He’s a fast guard. Amazing touch. Can shoot it. I was trying to stand my ground. Just trying to play as hard as I can and bring as much energy as I can. That’s all.”
The call-up to the Lakers came as a surprise to Bronny, especially after he had just scored a season-high 31 points in the G League. “It just came out of nowhere, so I was always trying to stay ready to play and always keeping my mind right,” he shared.
Despite the challenging night, Bronny noted his growth since the opening night when he played alongside his father against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “I feel like I’m a whole lot more prepared now,” he said. “Again, just coming out and staying ready after the G League stint and the season being down the road a little bit more, just staying ready. And coming in, playing smart.”
LeBron James expressed confidence in his son’s development, emphasizing that more opportunities will lead to further growth. “Obviously, it’s his first extensive minutes with us,” LeBron said. “We had that first game where it was just a moment — and that was a great moment. But tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, be with the big club, and he’s going to continue to use that and get better and better.”
- Bronny James’ debut with the Lakers was historic, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history.
- JJ Redick’s decision to play Bronny was influenced by Gabe Vincent’s injury.
- Despite a tough game, Bronny remains optimistic about his growth and future opportunities.
Originally Written by: Dave McMenamin
