JJ Redick told an NBA reporter what he really thinks about Bronny James, and his future role with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James was maybe the most discussed second-round pick in NBA Draft history when he was selected to play with his father, LeBron James, for the Lakers. He showed flashes last season, especially in the G League, but like most second-round picks, he rarely saw the court.
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He made waves at this year’s Summer League, though. James locked down number one pick Cooper Flagg and scored 13 points in 25 minutes in his final appearance. There is some hype building around James’ potential, and Head Coach JJ Redick revealed what he thinks about his future with the Lakers.
JJ Redick reveals what he thinks Bronny James’ role with the LA Lakers can be, ‘Game-changer’
Redick, entering his second season as Lakers Head Coach, has his work cut out for him. A turbulent offseason nearly saw LeBron James leave LA, and Luka Doncic is in contract discussions.
The Lakers signed DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, but they lost Dorian Finney-Smith, leaving them short on wing defence for the upcoming season. Redick needs all the help he can get off the bench in that department.
He revealed to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin that he thinks James can have an impact on the team going forward.
McMenamin said on NBA Today, “JJ Redick told me that if he can get in elite shape, he thinks he can be a type of game-changer like Davion Mitchell for Miami, or TJ McConnell, who had big moments in the NBA finals.”
Bronny James continues to work through heart condition
In 2023, James collapsed during a USC workout and was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. He has made an incredible recovery to make it into the NBA, but he is still suffering the effects of his heart condition.
James is working through these effects, but it is capping his potential for the time being.
McMenamin continued, “The barrier for entry is his conditioning. The catch-22 here is that Bronny told me he is still working through side effects from his heart condition.”
James’ defence was impressive in the Summer League, and he continues to show growth on the offensive end. If he can continue to work through his condition, he can be an impact defender off the bench this season to fill some of the hole left by Finney-Smith.