Bronny James Shines in First NBA Start as JJ Redick Gives Rookie Season a Sensational “A+” Grade
As the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their regular season with a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, the team took the opportunity to rest their core players, having already secured the third seed in the Western Conference. This strategic move opened the door for rookie guard Bronny James, who was awarded his first NBA career start—a milestone moment for the young player under the league’s brightest spotlight.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back when assessing Bronny’s rookie season. Speaking with Khobi Price of the SoCal News Group, Redick gave James an “A+” grade, not just for his on-court development, but for the maturity and resilience he’s shown throughout a year filled with intense media attention. “He’s the same guy every day,” Redick said. “He doesn’t allow the good attention to get to him. He doesn’t allow the bad attention to get to him, and he just continues to work.”
Redick also praised the South Bay Lakers’ coaching staff, led by Zach Guthrie, for helping James grow during his G League stint. According to Redick, Bronny’s transformation was particularly evident after the G League Showcase. “His confidence from October and November to the second part of the G League season was phenomenal,” Redick noted. “Every time he’s been on the court for us in the second half of the season, you can see that level of confidence and comfort.”
As the son of NBA icon LeBron James, Bronny entered the league under a microscope. Despite the immense scrutiny, he’s kept his focus. In his rookie season with the Lakers, he played in 26 games, averaging 2.2 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in just 5.5 minutes per game. However, his real development came in the G League, where his averages soared to 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, while improving his three-point shooting to an impressive 38%.
With Redick emphasizing his belief in Bronny’s long-term role in the Lakers’ rotation, this first start may be just the beginning of a promising NBA journey.
