In one of the most highly-anticipated preseason games of 2024, Bronny James officially made his Los Angeles Lakers debut. It was a moment that had critics and supporters clamoring in equal measure, as the first step on the path to clarity has finally been taken.
It was a tale of two ends of the floor for James, who thrived defensively and struggled on offense in a clear display of what he can provide in 2024-25—and perhaps beyond.
James played 16 minutes for the Lakers during his preseason debut. He shot just 1-of-6 from the field, but turned heads with his defensive intensity and versatility as he blocked three shots and played a disruptive role throughout the game.
Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the defensive versatility that James continues to showcase has Redick optimistic about his development in other areas.
"He can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique, and I think can turn into a really disruptive defender," Redick said. "That manifested itself. On the offensive end, he's still figuring out who he is. That's our job as a player development program just to build him in.
Redick continued:
"But truthfully, he's so easy to coach. He's got a great soul and just a great energy about him. I like being around him. I'm rooting for him. He's a good player that we're happy to have in our program."
The fact that Redick has taken ownership of his role in the development of his players is as promising a sign as anything James did on the court.
Bronny James turning heads with defensive versatility
James enters his first NBA season at just 19 years of age. He struggled to put together consistent quality during his lone season with the USC Trojans in college, but the tools were evident on the defensive end of the floor.
An explosive athlete with a strong 210-pound frame, respectable speed and agility, and a remarkable 40.5" max vertical leap, the optimism was understandable.
James took time to find his footing on offense at Summer League, but ultimately closed out the event with a pair of strong showings. It's the likely trend for a player who, as Redick describes it, hasn't yet figured out who he is on the offensive end of the floor.
The reason Los Angeles remains high on James despite his offensive shortcomings, however, is the simple fact that you don't have to ask him to go all-out on defense—he'll do it all on his own.
James showed as much during his preseason debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent his 16 minutes flying around the court, bringing a physical and intense style of on-ball defense to each encounter.
James also produced one of his father's signature chase-down blocks—a response to a careless turnover that offered ample evidence as to why Redick is so high on him.
Even when James makes a mistake on offense, his effort on defense can be trusted. It's one of the qualities that coaches dream of finding in a role player, which lends invaluable insight into why the Lakers were willing to take a chance on the upside of an unproven player at the 2024 NBA Draft.
If James can sustain this quality of play on defense, there's a strong possibility he'll see the court at points during the 2024-25 regular season.