JJ Redick, Luka Doncic see improvement in Bronny James this season
Contrary to what Bronny James' stats suggest, both Lakers coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic say they see improvement in the second-year guard.
Based on his stats and perhaps even the eye test, Bronny James hasn't made any strides this season as a second-year player in the pros. He put up strong numbers in the G League last year as a rookie, but his scoring, rebounds and assists per game are down this year, and he hasn't shown much, if anything, or note when he has appeared in games at the NBA level for the Los Angeles Lakers . But his shooting efficiency in the G League has improved, and on Wednesday, he did show a very small glimpse of what he could be capable of when the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 137-130 .
With veteran guard Marcus Smart out of action, he got 13 minutes of playing time and made two of four shots, giving him four points, plus one rebound, one assist, two steals and one block. Coach JJ Redick said that James has improved lately and explained how that has been the case. “He’s gotten significantly better,” Redick said.
“I know our staff has a lot of confidence in him. I felt like this was a game we really needed him. It was a game that his athleticism, his defense… he had two really really good defensive possessions, individual defense in the first half.
“I think the biggest thing with him, he’s got a lot of confidence right now — I know he didn't make his 3 tonight, but he’s got a lot of confidence in his shot right now. He’s having a fantastic season with South Bay. “He’s been arguably the best player for the last three or four weeks in our stay-ready games — every single time.