The Los Angeles Lakers' preseason clash against the Golden State Warriors served as a significant milestone for Bronny James, who debuted in purple and gold. Despite the Lakers' lopsided loss, falling 132-74 to the Warriors, it was James' performance that captured attention. The young guard, navigating the weight of his last name, offered glimpses of his potential on the NBA stage.
James posted 17 points over the course of the game, a tally that, while promising, was met with a mixed shooting performance. James struggled from the field, succeeding in just 7 of his 17 attempts, and managed only one successful shot from five tries beyond the arc. Yet, his stat line wasn't devoid of bright spots; he also contributed four rebounds, three steals, one assist, and one block. These numbers underscore a well-rounded ability, hinting at an all-around game still in development.
Even as the Lakers found themselves heavily outscored during his minutes—by a staggering 60 points—James' debut was less about the scoreline and more about initial exposure to the NBA’s pace and rigor. It’s also crucial to note that Stephen Curry sat out, subtly shifting the competitive dynamics. However, the absence of one of the league’s most marketable stars did not detract from the spotlight cast on the Lakers' budding talent.
JJ Redick, whom the Lakers trust to mentor their young players, provided insights into James' mindset and potential growth trajectory. "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 reflected, emphasizing a nurturing approach over immediate concern for statistical performance or outcomes in preseason skirmishes.
Redick continued to highlight James' attributes, painting a picture of a character equipped for the challenges ahead, both on and off the court. "Yes, he's a very grounded young man who is very coachable and has a very good head on his shoulders," Redick noted. Such qualities are amenities in navigating the pressures accompanying his well-known family name.
In delving into personal interactions with the young player, 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." This acknowledgment of the duality in James' journey—both the privileges and the hurdles—provides a poignant background to his professional pursuits.
Reflecting on James’ scoring performance, Redick was clear that surface stats aren't a definitive measure of success at this stage. “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. We're trying to help him grow into a great basketball player,” Redick stated, diverting focus from a fixation on numbers to the broader goal of player development.
Throughout the game and the days leading up to it, the Lakers’ coaching staff maintained an overarching goal: fostering growth rather than immediately measuring success by traditional metrics. With these goals, Redick emphasized, "He's a pleasure to coach." This sentiment not only underscores the team's investment in his potential but also reassures fans that patience will be a cornerstone in nurturing James’ nascent career.
With the pressure of expectations resting heavily upon him, Bronny James’ preseason debut was not just a test of his on-court prowess, but a step in a larger journey. His performance, bolstered by a supportive cast of coaches and teammates, shows promise in a career that will be watched with great anticipation.