In a recent press conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick pushed back against claims that Bronny James is only playing part-time for the South Bay Lakers.
Reports from November 2024 said the 19-year-old would only play home games and skip road trips. That raised questions about his commitment. Redick quickly shut down the narrative.
“I don’t know where that came from. That was never the plan,” he said firmly.
Redick made it clear that Bronny is being treated like any other developing player on the roster. “The way we’ve handled him is the same as with Trey [Jemison] and Christian [Wood]. We’ve worked closely with the South Bay Lakers staff to ensure his development is on track,” he added.
From Breakout Game to G League Domination
Bronny was recently reassigned to the G League shortly after delivering his best performance in a Lakers uniform. Against the Milwaukee Bucks, he posted 17 points, three rebounds, and five assists—his most impactful NBA game so far. Although his minutes were limited in the next game against Chicago, the momentum carried over.
Back with the South Bay Lakers, Bronny erupted for a career-high 39 points in a 122-118 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors. He shot 14-of-21 from the field and hit four three-pointers.
He also added 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. It was a complete all-around performance. South Bay may be out of playoff contention, but Bronny’s numbers continue to stand out. He’s averaging 20.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Silencing Doubts and Building Momentum
Bronny’s rapid progress has been impressive—especially considering that just a year ago, his college season was cut short by a serious heart condition. The way he’s bounced back has shown both resilience and dedication.
Critics have questioned whether his rise is fueled more by his last name than his game. But Bronny is letting his play do the talking. He’s shown flashes of becoming a reliable two-way guard with a high basketball IQ, strong defensive instincts, and a dependable jump shot. His recent performances are beginning to shift the narrative—and Redick’s comments further support that.
At 6’2″, Bronny may be slightly undersized, but his long wingspan, athleticism, and confidence are helping him hold his own. Redick’s defense of Bronny wasn’t just about dismissing rumors—it was a clear signal of belief in the path he’s carving for himself.
