The Los Angeles Lakers were without Luka Doncic and Jarred Vanderbilt for Game 2 against the Thunder, and Bronny James still couldn’t crack the nine-man rotation. It was clear that head coach JJ Redick only used Bronny in the first round because the Lakers were light on guards. He doesn’t trust Bronny for playoff minutes, and LeBron’s son is clearly the 12th man when everyone is healthy.
The Thunder dominated the game as the Lakers' lack of depth was on full display. That makes things even worse for Bronny. He is ahead of Dalton Knecht and Nick Smith Jr. in the pecking order. Maxi Kleber feels like he has faded too far to play in the postseason, but being the 12th man on a team lacking the talent to compete with the defending champs is a problem.
Bronny was in the rotation for the first four games of the Rockets series, but Redick axed him the moment Austin Reaves returned. The 6'2 guard has been limited to mop-up duties since, despite the Lakers’ injuries. It is making the picture clear.
JJ Redick still doesn’t trust Bronny James for meaningful minutes
The Lakers could have used anyone in Game 2. Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, and Jake LaRavia were always going to play off the bench. That is a guard, a big man, and a forward. Redick could have given anyone a chance as the ninth man. He opted for Adou Thiero over Bronny, despite the rookie only playing 149 minutes during the regular season.
LeBron’s son is a fan favorite. Supporters want him to be part of the nightly rotation and to blossom into an impactful NBA player. Sadly, the 21-year-old isn’t close. Redick trusted a rookie with even less experience over Bronny against the defending champs with his team on the verge of going down 2-0. It was a massive moment, and the head coach didn’t give it to Bronny.
The Lakers plan on improving their roster and adding more talent this summer. Bronny is already near the bottom of Redick’s depth chart. The second-year pro is still improving his game, but he must make a massive leap to ever get to where fans want him to be.
That is far from a guarantee. Bronny is working hard, but he has failed to earn Redick’s trust. Fans thought he might have in the first round, but it was just Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves being out. The Lakers desperately needed a guard, so Bronny got a chance. Other than desperation, Redick has steered clear of LeBron’s son, even when the Lakers desperately need someone.
Los Angeles Lakers fans don’t want to hear that Bronny James is the 12th man or that he’s fallen behind Adou Theiro. It is painful. LeBron’s son is talented, but he must improve his game to get regular minutes. Fans are still hopeful, but it may never happen. Bronny is a long way away right now, and supporters have to accept that after he didn’t play in Game 2 against the Thunder until garbage time.
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