The Los Angeles Lakers have played Bronny James in nine straight games, but head coach JJ Redick refused to name the 21-year-old as one of the team’s playoff shot creators. Bronny was the first guard off the bench in the blowout win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Marcus Smart had a standout performance in his return, despite being on a minute limit. It has clearly left uncertainty around where Bronny stands.
LeBron’s son has failed to grab the role. He averaged 5.0 points, 1.0 assist, and 0.8 steals in 14.9 minutes per game over the last nine games. He has made just seven 3-pointers and has 11 turnovers. That doesn’t exactly scream must play.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to be out for multiple weeks. The Lakers clearly need ball-handling and shot creation. Smart helped ease the burden, and Luke Kennard has stepped up. Still, LA needs a backup point guard, and who fills that role is clearly still up in the air.
JJ Redick doesn’t name Bronny James as Lakers playoff creator
In his postgame interview, coach Redicks said this when asked about how getting into offense against the Suns was a strong test for the playoffs.
“I think just really simplify things. I think we ran four plays all game. It was just really simple. Anytime that we can feel a little messy, we just go to the post or we go to horns. I think the ball-handling component with getting Smart back, he will be able to play more on Sunday. Him, Luke, whoever that third guard is off the bench, and LeBron all have to share in that responsibility, and part of that responsibility is getting us organized.”
Bronny was that third guard off the bench on Friday night, but Redick didn’t commit to that being the case moving forward. The Lakers have Nick Smith Jr., Dalton Knecht, and Chris Manon as options.
They also opened up a roster spot on Friday afternoon by waiving Kobe Bufkin. Redick may have hinted that LA plans to sign a ball-handler and creator for the playoffs.
Bronny is not ready for postseason minutes. The 21-year-old struggles to handle the ball and make plays at the NBA level. His jumper is improving. There has been development, but everything ramps up in the playoffs. Bronny isn’t ready for that, and coach Redick is clearly still considering his options.
The Lakers will finish in the top four in the Western Conference. They have just one regular-season game left before the playoffs begin. The injuries have derailed their title hopes and put the rotation in shambles. LA has bounced back with two straight wins, but Redick doesn’t have the answers.
Bronny James is not locked in as the Los Angeles Lakers' third guard in the playoffs. He got that shot against the Suns, but struggled again. Coach Redick is trying to figure things out. Bronny has one more chance to snatch the role. Fans should be watching closely on Sunday evening to see how the 21-year-old performs. The pressure is certainly on.