Lakers coach JJ Redick predicts high ceiling for Bronny James, compares his skillset to OKC Thunder star: "He eventually will be that guy"
JJ Redick watched Bronny James and the LA Lakers’ Summer League team debut in the competition against the Houston Rockets. With Dane Johnson calling the shots on the bench, Redick and his assistant coaches Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan soaked up the action near courtside. LA’s campaign got off to a disastrous start after Houston blew them off the court 99-80.
James Jr. had a poor showing on offense. The former USC backup guard went 3-for-14, including 0-for-8 from deep. A smattering of whistles broke out at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas during a few of his barren stretches.
JJ Redick was unfazed by the struggles on offense and had this to say about who Bronny James could be in the NBA:
“[Lu Dort’s] impact – you can’t get into your offense sometimes. The shot clock winds down because of his ball pressure. He literally blows up entire plays because of that pressure. And I really believe this. Bronny eventually will be that guy.”
Lu Dort is the OKC Thunder’s defensive ace who went undrafted in 2019. He signed a two-way contract before eventually carving out a role on the team. In five seasons in Oklahoma, he has started in 283 out of 292 games. Billy Donovan and then later Mark Daigneault weren’t worried about his offense, his defense was just too good to ignore.
If Bronny James is to follow Dort’s trajectory, he must be a better on-ball defender, according to JJ Redick. LA’s new coach wants James Jr. to be a “ball hawk” who applies relentless “ball pressure.” Redick also expressed confidence that LeBron James’ son will develop his game on offense.
JJ Redick calls Bronny James a “development player”
JJ Redick is convinced Bronny James will eventually reach Lu Dort-level of impact. For now, the former ESPN analyst and his coaching staff will give him time to hone his game.
Here’s what Redick had to say about what James’ rookie year would look like:
“He is a development player. That’s how we’re looking at Bronny. He’s going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time in the G League. As we sort out our player development program, he’s going to be an important part of that.”
The LA Lakers signed James Jr. to a four-year, $7.8 million deal, a move that was badly criticized by many. Had the second-round rookie signed a two-way contract, GM Rob Pelinka might have had more roster flexibility while James developed in the G League.
Pelinka’s hands were tied, however, as Rich Paul made it clear before the draft that his client wasn’t signing two-way contracts. Time will tell if JJ Redick’s prediction will become true and how soon will that turn out to be.