JJ Redick's Lu Dort comparison for Bronny James should intrigue Lakers fans

Dort finished last season in the 82nd percentile for defensive estimated plus-minus. He was arguably a top-five on-ball defender in the Western Conference. His presence is a significant part of the Thunder's recent success, and it's why he started 79 games for the emerging powerhouse. 

James has a long way to go to reach Dort's level of defense. It will take countless hours of work behind the scenes. His conditioning and overall approach to the game must also improve. However, if the Lakers can work with the rookie guard to get him to a similar level, Los Angeles would have struck gold with its late second-round pick. 

Of course, Redick's expectations could prove too high for James, and he may struggle to reach such a lofty goal. Nevertheless, it's clear that Redick views the young guard's best role as a defensive stopper. The issue for fans will be that defense is far harder to quantify via the box score or a stat sheet. 

James will undoubtedly receive a significant amount of scrutiny and criticism in the coming months. Still, if he can emerge as a high-level point-of-attack defender, he will be the one to have the last laugh.