Bronny James has piled up 11 points and a brutal 12 turnovers through the Lakers’ first four preseason games, and coach JJ Redick isn’t mincing words about it. Redick directly stated he doesn’t think James has “played well” so far, and with cutdown day looming, that kind of honesty is a gut punch for a player trying to solidify his spot.
Rough Start to Year Three
It’s been a tough preseason for James, who’s now in his third NBA season and playing his first without his dad, LeBron James, on the same team. The 11 points combined and 12 turnovers across four games just aren’t cutting it. It all came to a head on Wednesday in Las Vegas during the Lakers’ 101-89 loss to the Warriors. Bronny went scoreless in 11 minutes of action, taking just two shots and finishing with one rebound, one steal, and four turnovers. That’s a brutal stat line when you’re fighting for rhythm and a clear role.
Redick acknowledged James had a “nice September and a good summer” with the team, even good practices, but the game performance hasn’t followed. The coach pointed to factors like rhythm, who James is playing with, and the group not “necessarily setting him up for success,” mentioning he’s often with “two-way guys” and a player like Rafael Castro, who’d only been with the team for three days. But excuses or not, the numbers are what they are, and Redick’s words are a clear warning shot.
Contract Security vs. Roster Reality
Earlier this summer, the Lakers guaranteed Bronny’s deal for the 2026-27 season at $2.29 million, part of his four-year, $7.89 million contract signed after being selected with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Only $1.25 million of that $2.29 million was guaranteed before that move. While the contract offers some security, the current situation is much more precarious. Last season, James appeared in 42 regular-season games, up from 27 the year before, and even earned playoff minutes in the first round against the Rockets, shooting 38.6% from the three-point line on 1.4 attempts per game. He also split time with the G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers.
But heading into Year 3, his role is anything but clear. Even with Luka Dončić sidelined against the Warriors on Wednesday, Redick still played 16 different guys, and James logged only 11 minutes off the bench. The Lakers currently have 16 players on their active roster and have to trim at least one spot before cutdown day on Monday.
The Lakers have one final preseason game against the Nuggets on Friday. After that, it’s time for some tough decisions before they open the regular season at home against the Warriors on October 21. Bronny’s performance in that last preseason contest could literally make or break his immediate future with the team.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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