JJ Redick keeps it real about Bronny James' struggles

During the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason schedule, 22-year-old guard Bronny James has had numerous opportunities to demonstrate his skills, yet he has not shown significant improvement. Although he enhanced his 3-point shooting during his second NBA season last year, his performance so far this year has been lackluster. In four preseason games, he has shot 4-of-15 overall and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, amassing 13 assists and 10 rebounds across his first three exhibition games last week.

However, in Tuesday's 101-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors, James was passive and ineffective, missing both of his shot attempts in 11 minutes, registering only one rebound and one steal while committing four turnovers.

Coach JJ Redick was candid after the game, acknowledging that while James has excelled in practices, he has struggled during games. "I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us," Redick stated. "I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games, but he's had good practices. Some of it’s just rhythm, some of it’s who he's playing with, right?

He's played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games with our two-way guys." Redick continued, noting that the group James has been playing with, particularly Rafael Castro—who joined the team only three days prior—might not be setting him up for success.

While one could argue that James' struggles are due to playing with players who are unlikely to see much action this season or make the final roster, one would expect that if he has indeed improved to the point of being deserving of a regular rotation spot, he would be more assertive and productive, particularly offensively. In the plus/minus category, James was last on the team in Tuesday's contest, finishing with a minus-18.

The Lakers have one more preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday before gearing up for their regular-season opener on October 21.