Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick used their preseason finale to give Bronny James a much-needed confidence booster heading toward a historic night with his father, LeBron James next week.
Bronny James played his best NBA game in his first start, dropping 17 points in 35 minutes against the Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors.
“I think for him and all our younger players, all the moments are building blocks,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick told reporters after the game.
The Lakers were blown out 132-74 with seven of their top players sitting out. The result did not matter as Redick was focused on the process, especially for Bronny James, who struggled in his first five preseason games.
“Not just the good moments,” Redick added. The bad moments are learning opportunities. I think you have to have a level of patience, a level of optimism. I’m very confident in the level of work that our young guys have had.”
“So, again, I think for [Bronny], I’m sure it felt good to have 17 points. … I’m not even remotely concerned about that. It’s not even on my radar. Like, we’re trying to help him grow into a great basketball player.”
James shot 7 of 17 from the field and added four rebounds, three steals, one assist and a block against the Warriors, who played their rotation players minus Curry, who is nursing a finger injury.
Bronny James is expected to play on opening night, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, when the Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
It will mark the first time in history a father and son play in an NBA game.
