JJ Redick Has Figured Out the Perfect Role for Bronny James

Bronny James will be entering his second season in the NBA with expectations that he will improve on his rookie year. Taken 55th overall, Bronny has been under immense pressure because of his family history. As the oldest son of LeBron James, a lot of people criticized the Los Angeles Lakers for taking a flier on Bronny because of nepotism.

JJ Redick Has Figured Out the Perfect Role for Bronny James

Looking at his summer league showing, it seems like Bronny James has taken a step in the right direction in his development, and his second season will be better. While his shooting is still off, he has shown flashes of being a good and productive bench player on the defensive end. During summer league, he averaged 11.5 points, 2.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and a steal on 44.4% shooting from the floor and 29.6% from three-point range. Discussing Bronny’s development with ESPN, Lakers head coach JJ Redick talked about the perfect model for LeBron’s son. He mentioned that Bronny can be a player like Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat or TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. Speaking about their examples, Redick said:

“On every single possession, they’re in the game — whether that’s offensively or defensively — they’re able to impact it with how hard they play. With the defensive pickup points, the disruption, being able to get downhill … I think we have all seen these amazing flashes of it from Bronny. And to get to that next level for him, it’s cardio fitness.”

JJ admitted that Bronny had to go through a lot before arriving in the NBA, referencing his cardiac arrest during a basketball practice at USC. Bronny did make a full recovery, but he has to improve his stamina and shape. His coach says that being in elite shape is the barrier of entry for him. The players he mentioned are praised for their two-way relentlessness that requires plenty of stamina, a physical skill that Bronny doesn’t possess right now.