After showing significant improvement in the G-League, Bronny James was given another chance to play meaningful minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers. Following a standout performance with the South Bay Lakers, head coach JJ Redick felt encouraged to bring Bronny back to the main roster. However, his return did not go as planned.
After the game, Redick shared his thoughts on Bronny’s performance. He explained that the decision to play Bronny was aimed at bringing energy to the team, especially on the second night of a back-to-back. However, the rookie was unable to make a significant impact.
“Maybe put him in a tough spot. Flying up yesterday, a nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G (League),” Redick said.
JJ Redick says he played Bronny in the 1st quarter hoping he'd bring the team "energy"
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 29, 2025
"He didn't play well, but he's been playing great in the stay-ready games and in the [G League]. I have confidence in him." pic.twitter.com/SNk4G5swIa
“Just felt like on a back-to-back, just him giving us energy, I think, was the goal. I have confidence in him, but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level,” he added.
During the Lakers’ 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Bronny struggled to make an impact. He failed to score, finishing 0-for-5 from the field while adding three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 15 minutes of action.
Fans Slam JJ Redick And The Lakers’ Choice To Play Bronny James
Bronny James has yet to play significant minutes for the Lakers since joining the team. While Bronny has shown flashes of potential in the G-League, his performance against the 76ers raised more questions about his readiness for the NBA.
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Following the loss, NBA fans were quick to criticize Redick’s explanation for playing Bronny. Many felt the rookie had not earned significant prowess to play in the league and questioned the decision to insert him into the game.
Yeah bro belongs in brick city
— CagedPeople (@CagedPerson) January 29, 2025
This isn’t a Disney movie jj 😭😭
— david (@Davethe_King1) January 29, 2025
This makes Redick look like a clown.
— ChettFury (@ChettFury) January 29, 2025
Others took aim at his father, LeBron James. They accused the four-time NBA champ of influencing the team’s decision to keep Bronny on the roster.
Lebron runs the team
— Thechek182 (@thechek182) January 29, 2025
Love seeing Lebrons nepo team implode in slow motion
— Michael Hoff (@MJT_Hoff) January 29, 2025
Bro wanted to coach but now he’s just a puppet and it’s showing in his expression
— altcoins2025 (@Natnap793) January 29, 2025
The Lakers 55th overall pick only played 13 games so far this season. In those games, he only averaged 0.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game.
