Bronny James struggles in preseason return as Lakers fall to Suns
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Palm Desert, Calif. — Nearly a year after his first exhibition appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James went 1-for-12 from the field in Friday night’s 103-81 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns but drew praise from coach JJ Redick for his continued progress.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic resting, the 20-year-old guard logged 23 minutes, finishing with eight points, three rebounds and a steal. His lone basket, a right-wing three-pointer, came late in the third quarter; he missed his other seven attempts from beyond the arc.
“I felt like they were pretty good shots,” James said. “Not rushed, not forcing anything. Didn’t have my legs under me as much as I wanted to, so a lot of them were short, but most of them were on line.”
Redick, entering his second season on the Lakers’ bench, said James’ offseason work has been evident. “He is so much more comfortable and confident as a player,” the coach noted. “There’s a big difference between improving in workouts and doing it five-on-five. He’s a totally different player than he was a year ago.”
James, who turns 21 on Monday, appeared in 27 NBA games as a rookie while averaging 21.9 points and 5.5 assists with the Lakers’ G League affiliate. He was part of the first substitution group Friday and applied steady on-ball pressure, a role Redick believes can earn him regular-season minutes.
Austin Reaves led Los Angeles with 20 points. Newcomers Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia started alongside Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt; Ayton grabbed eight rebounds, blocked two shots and attempted just two field goals in 18 minutes.
LeBron James continues a cautious return from a minor nerve issue as he prepares for a record 23rd NBA campaign. Doncic, who spent the summer with Slovenia at EuroBasket, is also ramping up gradually. Redick confirmed both stars will sit again Sunday when the Lakers visit the Golden State Warriors, giving Bronny another extended look.
“I’m just trying to get reps with the guys,” Bronny said. “There probably won’t be as many opportunities during the season, so I’m coming out, defending hard and doing the nonnegotiables.”
Source: ESPN
