The Los Angeles Lakers are set to make history this season, with the highly anticipated pairing of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, on the same NBA roster. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed the franchise’s plans to have the father-son duo share the court, despite the significant developmental work Bronny still needs. The younger James was drafted with the 55th pick and is seen as a project player, but Redick has assured fans that the historic moment is coming, and it may be sooner than many expected.
During an appearance on Zach Lowe’s podcast The Lowe Post, Redick discussed the Lakers’ vision of the James family moment coming to fruition. “In terms of that moment, yeah, we’ve talked about it and thought about it. We’ll get it done,” Redick told Lowe. “I don’t wanna commit to anything right now, but that’s gonna happen… Sooner rather than later.” (1:04:51)
While LeBron James continues to be the face of the Lakers, playing at an elite level well into his 40s, Bronny is a long way from making a significant contribution to the team. Redick and the organization have been transparent about Bronny’s need for development, with the rookie coach mentioning that the younger James will likely spend time with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate.
JJ Redick’s candid approach to Bronny’s development has not gone unnoticed. He views the 19-year-old as the Lakers’ first major project under his coaching regime. Redick highlighted that Bronny would likely see significant minutes in the G League, a crucial step for prospects who need to hone their skills before making an impact in the NBA.
Bronny’s performance during his lone season at USC raised questions about his readiness for the professional level. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting just 36.6% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc. These stats suggest that he struggled with consistency and efficiency, prompting Redick to emphasize the importance of G League play.
Despite the criticism Bronny has faced, Redick was clear about his belief in the young player’s potential. “Bronny is a young guy, I’m very high on him as a basketball player,” Redick said on the podcast. “He’s the first player we get to mold and develop.”
JJ Redick thinks Bronny James will eventually become a player similar to Lu Dort
(🎥 @SiriusXMNBA ) pic.twitter.com/IP9rT1Aen7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 16, 2024
It’s clear that Bronny has a long road ahead to secure a place in the Lakers’ rotation. His draft mate, Dalton Knecht, who spent three years playing at the college level, is expected to have a stronger shot at a rotation spot due to his experience. Bronny, on the other hand, only played 25 games at USC and struggled through much of his NBA Summer League debut. His averages of 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist, along with shooting splits of 35% from the field and a woeful 16% from three-point range, suggest that he’s far from being NBA-ready.
However, Bronny did show glimpses of improvement towards the end of Summer League play, which was enough to fuel some optimism for his future. Redick and the Lakers seem committed to investing in his development, with the ultimate goal of him becoming a valuable piece for the team in the years to come.
Bronny James via @mcten:
“I just feel like I’m in a little slump right now.”
Bronny is currently shooting 23% from the field and 0/12 from three in Summer League. pic.twitter.com/PFTri3trI0
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 13, 2024
The narrative surrounding Bronny’s arrival in the NBA has often been clouded by accusations of nepotism. Some believe that Bronny’s presence on the Lakers roster is more about his father’s influence than his own basketball abilities. LeBron James has made no secret of his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, and this dream appears to be on the verge of becoming a reality.
Critics argue that Bronny’s draft position and early struggles in the NBA Summer League point to him being a long-term project rather than an immediate contributor. However, Redick and the Lakers have been quick to dispel these notions, with the head coach repeatedly expressing his faith in Bronny’s potential.
JJ Redick’s confidence in the younger James could be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for the rookie. On one hand, the pressure to live up to his father’s legacy and the expectations of Lakers fans will be immense. On the other hand, the Lakers’ investment in Bronny’s development shows that they see him as more than just LeBron’s son — they view him as a player with legitimate potential.
The promise of seeing LeBron and Bronny James share the court is an exciting prospect for NBA fans. If successful, it would mark the first time in league history that a father and son played together on the same team. Such a moment would be unprecedented and add another layer to LeBron’s already historic legacy.
However, the question remains whether this moment will be built on merit or simply the Lakers’ desire to fulfill a feel-good narrative. While JJ Redick has made it clear that Bronny’s development will be the priority, he also seems eager to ensure that the father-son duo gets their moment in the spotlight.
For JJ Redick and the Lakers, balancing the sentimental desire for a historic father-son moment with the competitive demands of NBA basketball will be a delicate act. On one hand, the opportunity for LeBron and Bronny to play together is an undeniable feel-good story that would dominate headlines. On the other hand, the Lakers are a franchise focused on winning, and every roster spot and minute of playing time must be earned.
If Redick can successfully manage Bronny’s development while also giving fans the historic moment they crave, it will be a testament to his coaching skills and the Lakers’ long-term vision. However, if the pressure of nepotism clouds Bronny’s ability to develop organically, the young player could find himself overwhelmed by expectations.
Time will tell if the gamble will pay off, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching closely.
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