
When your father is considered to be one of, if not the greatest player in NBA history, expectations can be hard to live up to.
That has been the case for Bronny James, as he has tried to create and navigate his own path with the Los Angeles Lakers. James hasn't performed well in his regular-season opportunities, and that has also been the case so far in the preseason.
Lakers head coach J.J. Reddick spoke Wednesday and was brutally honest in his assessment of James' preseason performances.
"I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices," Reddick said. "Some of it is just rhythm, some of it is who he's playing with. He's played a lot of minutes in the second half with our two-way guys."
JJ Redick admits that Bronny hasn’t played well in the preseason
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 14, 2026
“I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices.”
(h/t @TheNBABase ) pic.twitter.com/cYOrS426Ae
In his four preseason games, James has scored just 11 points compared to 12 turnovers. He's shooting just 26.6% from the field and 14.3% from three-point range.
He's made multiple shots just once in four games and his lone three-point make was on the first one he attempted, meaning he's missed six straight since then.
There are some encouraging signs, though, as James is averaging 2.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He's distributed the ball well, as he's collected five-plus assists in two of his four games.
Bronny James preseason passing tape
— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) October 9, 2026
13 assists/8 turnovers so far through 3 games https://t.co/zBoBB6SOWI pic.twitter.com/w30TtffmJv
James will be toward the bottom of the Lakers depth chart and will only see action in lopsided games. Because of that, he may be better served to spend more time in the G League where he can play on a nightly basis and continue to develop as a player.
After all, James is still just 22 years old and has his entire playing career in front of him. A stint in the G League until he is absolutely needed in Los Angeles should be his role and can help build his confidence for when he returns to regular-season NBA action.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!