As Bronny James prepares for his second season in the NBA, his primary objective is to secure a consistent role within the Lakers` rotation. His rookie campaign saw limited court time, with only 27 appearances and 181 minutes played, as he predominantly spent his time in the G League. While this goal presents a significant challenge, Lakers coach JJ Redick remains confident in James`s ability to achieve it.
Redick emphasized that the most crucial aspect for Bronny is to attain peak physical conditioning. He regards this as the fundamental prerequisite for his advancement, stating, “That`s the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he`s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA.”
Elaborating further, Redick highlighted players such as TJ McConnell and Davion Mitchell as archetypes for the kind of impact player James could develop into.
“On every single possession, they`re fully engaged—whether on offense or defense—they impact the game through their sheer effort,” Redick commented. He added, “With their defensive pressure, disruptive play, and ability to drive to the basket… We`ve all seen impressive flashes of this from Bronny. For him to reach that next level, it ultimately boils down to cardiovascular fitness.”
TJ McConnell gained widespread recognition during the Pacers` unexpected run to the NBA Finals last season, frequently emerging as a pivotal factor. His relentless defensive motor, characterized by forcing deflections, drawing offensive fouls, and generally disrupting opponents, allowed him to play far beyond his 6`1″ stature due to sheer tenacity. Offensively, he remarkably scored 18 points against the Thunder in Game 5 of the Finals, despite facing a size advantage that typically bothers smaller guards.
Similarly, Davion Mitchell has cultivated a reputation as a persistent defensive presence. Despite standing at just 6`2″, he consistently holds his own against larger guards, including Luka Doncic. Mitchell`s physical build is comparable to James`s, making him a potential blueprint for the type of player James could evolve into. While Mitchell is currently a more accomplished shooter, James demonstrated significant improvements in his shooting rhythm towards the end of his G League season.
However, James`s ability to fully realize these aspirations largely hinges on his physical resilience, a journey that has been ongoing since he experienced cardiac arrest in July 2023 due to a congenital heart defect requiring surgery.
James, who will turn 21 before the start of the season, revealed, “I get kind of sick easier now. Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So, I would have times where I have to sit out, and that conditioning that I`m working on just goes away in that week of me being out.”
Despite this health challenge limiting his playing time at USC, he persevered, working his way back to become an NBA draft pick in 2024. While his progression has experienced ebbs and flows, he has the unwavering support of Redick and the entire Lakers organization.
Redick confirmed James`s medical clearance, stating, “He`s cleared. … I get that there`s a history there of a really scary thing that he had to live through, and I think it`s tough to push past certain points for him, but he`s going to get there. He`s going to get there.”
