There’s a lot of chatter about Bronny James’ game, but the Lakers and coach JJ Redick are well aware that he needs time to develop into what he could ultimately become.
Despite the Lakers selecting Bronny James with the No. 55 pick in this year’s draft, he’s gotten more coverage and attention than just about every player participating in the Summer League.
The moment he stepped on the floor, the crowd cheered, cell phones came out and everyone was watching.
So far, his performance has been what you should expect from a late second-round selection. The offense has been mediocre and he looks a year or two away from being a year or two away.
In an interview with SiriusXM NBA Today near the start of Summer League in Las Vegas, Lakers head coach JJ Redick discussed Bronny’s development and where he is now in his basketball life.
“[Lou Dort’s] impact – you can’t get into your offense sometimes. The shot clock winds down because of his ball pressure…Bronny eventually will be that guy”
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 13, 2024
JJ Redick wants to see Bronny James focus on defense as he talks with @TermineRadio, Ryan McDonough, and @Jumpshot8. pic.twitter.com/hJ28D3J1Qp
In basketball conversations, fans and media alike often lean toward offense.
The issue with Bronny is that his strongest asset is defensively. As Redick has mentioned, his ball pressure, ability to deny the ball and pick-and-roll defense make him a quality prospect.
It’s hard to demonstrate and share that on social media when people want to see dunks, crossovers and 3-point shots.
Where Bronny is developmentally is known. He was taken on the backend of the draft. Redick is aware that the goal is to develop the offensive side of his game so it can balance him more as a player.
He will likely always be known more for his defense, but Bronny just needs to be good enough offensively to get minutes on the floor. The Lou Dort comp perfectly depicts where Bronny can be if the Lakers develop him fully.
While Redick acknowledged the need for work still offensively, he did highlight how good he’s been defensively when he appeared on ESPN’s broadcast of the Lakers’ Summer League game against the Rockets.
“I thought the last game of the Cali Classic, defensively, he was terrific. He had eight or nine possessions where, whether it was ball pressure or switching, just making plays defensively. That’s been a real point of emphasis in all my conversations and the times I have been with the team on the practice floor. We want him pressuring the ball. I told him yesterday, I said ‘If you get blown by, if you have 10 fouls, that’s on me. I want you up, pressuring the ball.’”
Now that the Lakers are done with the California Classic and playing in the Las Vegas Summer League, you’ve seen more of that defensive prowess. He’s averaging a steal a game and his scoring has been respectable, contributing seven points a game on his 25-plus minutes of play.
Bronny is coming off his best Summer League performance yet, scoring 12 points on 5-11 shooting in the Lakers’ win over the Hawks.
Hopefully, we get some more positive play from Bronny with two games left before Summer League is over.
Still, he’s a second round pick for a reason and development takes time. So, in a world where immediate gratification is demanded, some patience from fans will be needed.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.
