While the entire NBA-loving universe is endlessly buzzing about rookie guard Bronny James, new Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick tried to offer some perspective.
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"He is a development player," Redick told SiriusXM NBA Radio, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. "That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League. As we sort of build out our player development program, he's going to be an important part of that."
James, the son of NBA legend and Lakers star LeBron James, gave his best showing at the Las Vegas Summer League in Wednesday's close win over the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He also knocked down his first 3-pointer of the summer, finishing 2-of-5 from beyond the arc in the 87-86 win.
"Just trying to forget about all the shots I missed and forget about all the games we lost and come out and play my game and try to do my best," James told ESPN's Katie George after the game, via McMenamin.
If there's one thing the Lakers can count on, it's that James Jr. will pack G League arenas and likely move lots of merchandise. That's just this season. The goal is for him to become a bona fide NBA guard.
As for Bronny today, there's no doubt the fundamentals and upside are there. But there is undoubtedly work to be done, and the Lakers realize that. They are willing to be patient with the No. 55 overall draft pick.
Through his first five summer games, James is averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.4 minutes, shooting just 28.6% from the field and 10% on 3-pointers.
"He's going to have to be a knockdown shooter," an NBA scout said, via McMenamin. "He plays the right way though."
The Lakers have won just once in summer league. No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher of the Hawks did not play vs. LA.
(This article originally appeared on Hoops Wire and was republished with permission.)
