In an eagerly anticipated debut, Bronny James made his first preseason appearance for the Los Angeles Lakers, stepping onto the court against the Golden State Warriors. Despite the anticipation surrounding his entrance, the game was marked by a significant 132-74 defeat for the Lakers at the hands of the Warriors.
Bronny, son of NBA legend LeBron James, showcased glimpses of promise by putting up 17 points. His performance was a mix of efficiency and challenges, making only 7 of his 17 shots. But his overall impact extended beyond his scoring; he also contributed four rebounds, three steals, one assist, and one block, illustrating his potential as a well-rounded player early in his career.
A Learning Experience
Despite the lopsided loss, JJ Redick, who has been observant of the young players' development, emphasized that such experiences are formative. "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 remarked, pointing out the importance of resilience and growth through adversity.
With a grounded attitude towards the game, Bronny has drawn praise not just for his tangible skills but also for his approach to learning. "Yes, he's a very grounded young man who is very coachable and has a very good head on his shoulders," said Redick, revealing the character behind the young athlete's evolving game.
On Facing Unique Challenges
Bronny's journey into the NBA spotlight is both a testament to his talent and a reflection of his unique position as LeBron's offspring. Redick, who has shared conversations with him, acknowledged this duality. "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," he shared, recognizing the complexities Bronny navigates both on and off the court.
With the preseason offering a first peek into what's to come, Bronny himself took the floor not just as a player, but as a student of the game, focused on development. "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," added Redick, underscoring the broader vision for Bronny's progress.
A Humbling Start
The game underscored the gaps the young Lakers roster needs to bridge, especially playing without the iconic Stephen Curry burning nets for the Warriors. The fact that the Lakers were outscored by 60 points during Bronny's minutes on the court underscores the challenges they face in coming together as a cohesive unit.
Yet, for those who have observed Bronny on his path, including Redick, his approach to being 'coachable’ draws optimism. "He's a pleasure to coach," Redick affirmed, capturing a sentiment that resonates not just in terms of his potential but also in how he's perceived as an individual navigating the high-pressure world of professional basketball.
As the preseason serves its purpose of experimentation and adjustment, Bronny's journey ahead is certain to be watched closely. The lessons from each play, each missed shot, and each achievement, are setting the foundation for him to potentially follow in the colossal footsteps of his father while carving out his unique legacy in the basketball realm.