Bronny James capped off his rookie campaign with his first career NBA start in the Lakers’ regular season finale — and his head coach made sure to give him his flowers.
“He Doesn’t Break Character”: Redick Praises Bronny’s Maturity and Growth
With the Lakers resting their starters after clinching the third seed in the West, Bronny stepped into the spotlight against the Portland Trail Blazers. But according to JJ Redick, the spotlight has never rattled him.
“I give him an A+,” Redick said when evaluating Bronny’s rookie year. “How he handled a lot of attention — good and bad — he doesn’t even break character. He’s the same guy every day. Doesn’t let the good attention get to him. Doesn’t let the bad attention get to him. He just continues to work.”
Redick also credited South Bay Lakers coach Zach Guthrie and his staff for Bronny’s steady improvement in the G League. “Seeing his confidence grow from October and November to the second part of the G League season, post Showcase, was phenomenal.”
The coach added that Bronny’s mindset and composure make him a long-term piece for the franchise: “He’s a guy you can tell things to, and it doesn’t affect his work or attitude. I’m very high on him long term being part of our rotation.”
Steady Climb Through the G League
Bronny split time between the NBA and G League this season, but it was in South Bay where his development took off — particularly after the Showcase event.
Bronny James – 2024–25 Rookie Season Stats
| Level | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
| NBA (Lakers) | 27 | 6.7 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 31.3% | 28.1% | 78.6% |
| G League (South Bay) | 11 | 34.2 | 21.9 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 44.3% | 38% | 81.5% |
While his NBA minutes were limited, Redick and the Lakers staff saw enough to be encouraged — especially considering the intense spotlight Bronny faced all season as LeBron James’ son.
For now, he’s earned his A+. But in Redick’s eyes, this is only the beginning.
