Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised rookie guard Bronny James’ effort on the defensive end after he recorded three blocks during the Lakers’ 124-107 preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James led the Lakers in blocks in only 16 minutes of playing time, including a chase-down swat of Timberwolves wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
“He can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique and I think can turn into a really disruptive defender,” Redick said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “That manifested itself.”
While James impressed defensively, he struggled on the offensive end, recording two points on 1-of-6 shooting with one rebound and one assist. His lone bucket didn’t come until 56.2 seconds left in the contest.
“On the offensive end, he’s still figuring out who he is,” Redick said. “That’s our job as a player development program just to build him in.”
The first-time head coach said James earned the minutes after performing well during training camp.
“As a coaching staff, before the game, as we were kind of going over our rotation matrix, we were talking about Bronny, and he’s had some really good days in August and September. He’s had three really good days this week. We’re really happy with his progress,” Redick said.
Bronny didn’t play with his father, LeBron James, on Friday, as he and Anthony Davis sat out the preseason opener. James and Davis are expected to play Sunday against the Phoenix Suns, which could mark the first time the father-son duo plays together.
