Lakers' Bronny James scores 17 points in preseason finale

While the Lakers suffered a massive 132-74 loss, head coach JJ Redick was thrilled to see Bronny take a huge step in his development. The first-year coach said he wasn't "concerned" about Bronny's ability to score but only about his evolution into an NBA-level player

"I think for him and all our younger players, all the moments are building blocks," Redick said, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Not just the good moments. The bad moments are learning opportunities. I think you have to have a level of patience, a level of optimism. I'm very confident in the level of work that our young guys have had. So, again, I think for him, I'm sure it felt good to have 17 points...I'm not even remotely concerned about that. It's not even on my radar. Like, we're trying to help him grow into a great basketball player."

Redick has maintained a similar tone about Bronny since the latter first donned Lakers colors at the Summer League in Las Vegas. Even after Bronny endured poor shooting nights, Redick said he liked what he saw from the rookie, especially on the defensive end, and was determined to help the 20-year-old reach his full potential in the pros. 

Bronny's performance on Friday may have secured him a spot in the Lakers' opening-night rotation against the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Earlier, there was speculation that he would start his career with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise's G League team. However, the fact that he played in all six of the Lakers' preseason games suggests he will remain with the Purple and Gold, at least for now.

In those six preseason outings, Bronny averaged 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists from 16.2 minutes. He mightily struggled to shoot the ball in the first five games, going 4-of-20 from the floor and 0-for-7 from three. Bronny was thrilled to break out of the slump Friday night.

"It just a great feeling to go out there and not think as much as I do and just play," he said after his 17-point night via ESPN.