By Sunday 
Lakers rookie Bronny James’ journey through the NBA and G League is raising eyebrows, but his growth as a player is undeniable—especially according to coach JJ Redick.
A Rocky Start, But Signs of Growth
Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is navigating his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. So far, his time has been split between the big league and the G League, where he has logged 16 games for the South Bay Lakers. While the young guard has had only a handful of minutes in the NBA, his performance is still a topic of debate.
Many critics argue that the Lakers should have kept Bronny in the G League for the full season, allowing him to refine his skills in a more consistent and competitive environment. But despite the back-and-forth movement between the two leagues, there are signs that Bronny’s development is heading in the right direction.
Coach JJ Redick: Playmaking Progress
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been vocal about Bronny’s progress. In an interview with The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, Redick highlighted a significant area of improvement for the rookie: his playmaking.
“His biggest area of improvement is probably his playmaking, and I don’t just mean that in terms of passing, but just his ability to play on and off the ball as a decision-maker—either a scorer or a passer,” Redick shared.
This recognition from Redick adds weight to the idea that Bronny is evolving in ways beyond what might be immediately apparent in the box score.
Moments of Impact
Bronny’s small sample size in the NBA might not yet show explosive numbers, but the moments he has had on the court reflect a growing confidence and an ability to contribute. Most recently, he played a career-high 16 minutes in a tight loss to the Denver Nuggets, where he posted five points, two rebounds, and a steal. More importantly, Bronny showcased some of the decision-making and playmaking skills that Redick had pointed out earlier.
Bronny’s Confidence Soars
The limited playing time in the NBA hasn’t stifled Bronny’s confidence—if anything, it’s had the opposite effect. Bronny himself acknowledged the impact these opportunities have had on his mindset.
“I definitely think I’ve improved, not only as a player, but just having a different mindset as a player to go out and play my game and play the game that I know how to play,” he said. “I feel really good about it—I see the progress.”
For a young player, it’s a crucial development to show confidence even when the minutes aren’t always plentiful. And for the Lakers, the idea is clear: let Bronny gain experience at his own pace, balancing opportunities between the NBA and the G League, while focusing on building a solid foundation for the future.
The Road Ahead
Bronny James may not yet be the star that many expect him to be, but the steady progress he’s shown under the guidance of the Lakers’ coaching staff, particularly Redick, offers a promising outlook. With a focus on improving his playmaking and gaining confidence on the court, Bronny’s future in the NBA looks brighter with each game, no matter how small his role might seem for now.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on the young James to see how his development continues to progress, especially with the looming shadow of his legendary father. But for now, the Lakers are patiently allowing their rookie to grow—one game at a time.