Bronny James Called Out by Lakers HC JJ Redick amid Struggles in NBA Preseason

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James drew a somewhat critical assessment from coach JJ Redick following Tuesday's 101-89 NBA preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors.

"I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us," Redick told reporters in his postgame press conference. "I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games, but he's had good practices. Some of it's just rhythm. Some of it's who he's playing with. He's played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games, with our two-way guys."

James appeared in each of the Lakers' first four preseason games. In 17.5 minutes per contest, he has averaged 2.8 points on 26.7 percent shooting along with 3.3 assists and 0.5 steals.

It's a limited sample, and preseason games are mostly about getting everyone up to speed physically. Still, James shooting sub-30 percent isn't an encouraging sign.

The 22-year-old is entering what's likely to be an important season for his tenure in Los Angeles. He has a team option for 2027-28, so he needs to show some improvement and demonstrate he can be an effective role player off the bench.

And much like the previous two years, James won't have a long runway to iron out his flaws on the court when the Lakers are chasing a title. Redick is going to lean on lineups that serve the team best right now.

Bronny will have one more opportunity to impress the coaching staff before the regular season tips off. The Lakers host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.