Second-year guard Bronny James is redirecting his development toward off-ball play after discussions with Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The adjustment comes as the NBA club relies on Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James for primary ball-handling duties.
Speaking Friday, James said he and Redick agreed that he must “learn how to be effective off the ball” and adopt a “.5 mentality” — a reference to making decisions within half a second. The 20-year-old guard was drafted No. 55 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and has spent much of this season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.
James showed progress the same night, registering 15 points, eight assists and three steals on 5-for-10 shooting in South Bay’s win. Once regarded almost exclusively as a defensive specialist, he has improved his outside shooting and decision-making but now aims to enhance his three-point efficiency and finishing at the rim to become a reliable cutter and spot-up threat.
Possible Rotation Opportunity
Los Angeles could have an opening for an off-ball guard next season with Gabe Vincent on an expiring contract. James is expected to use the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign to refine the skills required for that role.
Thiero Makes G League Debut
Adou Thiero, the Lakers’ 2025 second-round pick, returned from knee surgery and debuted for South Bay on Friday against the Santa Cruz Warriors. The forward produced 19 points, four rebounds and three steals while shooting 5-for-9 in 19 minutes. Thiero had missed Los Angeles’ first 13 regular-season games with a knee hyperextension before being activated for the club’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and then assigned to the G League.
South Bay’s starting lineup also featured James, Nick Smith Jr., Christian Koloko and Drew Timme, giving the Lakers a closer look at several young prospects in extended minutes.
Source: Lakers Nation
