The oldest son of LeBron James set profession highs with 17 factors and 5 assists in his most intensive NBA minutes in a 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday evening.
Together with his injured star father watching from the bench, James was the Lakers’ handiest offensive participant in a recreation during which they have been lacking their high 4 scorers due to damage. Bronny James was 7 of 10 from the sphere, displaying the expansion and promise that makes head coach JJ Redick assured the 20-year-old can and can contribute as an expert.
“We’ve clearly monitored him within the G (League) and really feel like he’s, you understand, in these kind of finish recreation conditions when he’s gotten an opportunity to play with us, he’s been actually good,” Redick stated. “So not stunned by tonight.”
James received the chance to play extra as a result of starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been every held out due to sprained proper ankles, becoming a member of LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (patella) in avenue garments. Vital bench choices Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (proper groin pressure) have been additionally out.
With a lot scoring not in uniform, Bronny James tried to do his half to fill the hole. That included a memorable lengthy outlet cross to Markeith Morris for a layup late within the first half harking back to his legendary father.
“Gaining my confidence and acquire my comfortability over reps, you understand, and getting on the market and making the most of my alternative if it’s given, so simply being prepared always is the largest factor for me,” Bronny James stated.
Thursday marked the third time in his rookie season James has performed in a minimum of three straight video games, and Redick sees a rising consolation because the Southern California product will get extra time on the court docket. James’ 29:53 of recreation motion was the third highest on the staff, behind fellow rookie Dalton Knecht and fourth-year guard Jordan Goodwin.
With the Lakers throughly outmanned within the defeat, James was in a well-recognized place as the first focus afterward, a place Redick is aware of he is able to deal with given his upbringing.
Redick recalled his response to James’ media classes on the NBA draft mix earlier than he had been employed as Lakers coach.
“I texted Bron and I used to be like, ’Man, Bronny has his head on straight,’” Redick stated. “Like, he will get it. And since Day 1, I’ve simply been impressed with the person who he’s.
“It was apparent to me from the second, you understand, I began spending time with him on the court docket this summer season, you understand he was definitely going to be an NBA participant. And I nonetheless imagine that. He’ll be an NBA participant.”
