Bronny James’s Icy Preseason Debut: Is There Fire Under All That Smoke?

Another year, another preseason debut for Bronny James in the sun-baked expanse of Palm Desert. You’d think playing in the desert would heat up your shot, but for the most famous son in the NBA, it was a cold night. While his legendary dad, LeBron James, took a night off to rest his 40-year-old bones, Bronny was out there trying to prove he’s more than just a famous last name.

How Did Bronny James Play?

The box score wasn’t pretty, folks. We’re talking 1-for-12 from the field. That is the kind of shooting night that makes you check if the rim has a lid on it. His only bucket came from a late three-pointer, a brief flicker of light in an otherwise frigid performance against the Phoenix Suns.

Let’s be real, a shooting slump like that can get in your head. But after the game, Bronny seemed unshaken. “I felt like they were pretty good shots,” he said, the confidence still there. “Not rushed, not forcing anything… I felt like I could have made those.” You have to respect the kid’s mentality. It is easy to crumble under the weight of the James name, but he’s standing tall.

Redick Sees Growth Beyond the Box Score

So, should Lakers fans be panicking? Not according to the new head honcho, JJ Redick. He might be new to the coaching gig, but he knows a thing or two about shooting. And he’s not just looking at the stat sheet.

“He is so much more comfortable and confident as a player,” Redick said. “He’s a totally different player than he was a year ago.”

Redick pointed to Bronny’s time in the G League last season as a major catalyst for his growth, where he balled out, averaging nearly 22 points a game. That is where he found his rhythm, away from the blinding spotlight of the main roster. For Redick, this preseason isn’t about making every shot; it’s about seeing that newfound confidence translate into 5-on-5 play and, more importantly, bringing defensive intensity.

The Long Road To a Roster Spot

Look, nobody’s handing Bronny James a starting spot. He knows it, Redick knows it, and his dad definitely knows it. He’s got to earn it, and that starts with being a lockdown defender—something Redick believes he can become. With LeBron and Luka Dončić sitting out again for the next game, Bronny will get more chances to show what he’s made of.

He’s not just playing for a spot on the team; he’s playing to carve out his own identity. The pressure is immense, a constant companion since the day he was born. Friday night was a step, maybe a wobbly one, but a step nonetheless. The real question is whether these small steps will eventually lead to a giant leap. Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: everyone will be watching.