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[Saba Sports News] Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his assessment of Bronny James as the highly-scrutinized rookie wrapped up his first NBA season on Sunday.
James earned his first career start in the Lakers’ regular season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers — a game with no playoff implications, as the Lakers had already secured the No. 3 seed in the West.
Ahead of the game, Redick was asked to grade Bronny’s rookie campaign, and he didn’t hesitate to offer high praise.
“I give him an A+,” Redick said. “The way he’s handled all the attention — good and bad — is impressive. He’s consistent, doesn’t let the praise or the criticism affect him, and just keeps putting in the work. I told him I’m really optimistic about his future as a rotation player.”
In Sunday’s game, James logged 38 minutes, finishing with four points on 2-of-10 shooting, along with six assists and four steals.
While Bronny’s on-court numbers haven’t silenced all critics — especially those accusing the Lakers of nepotism — Redick clearly sees value in his development and demeanor.
The rookie may not yet be a fixture in the rotation, but he hasn’t been a liability or distraction on a playoff-bound team. Whether he eventually becomes a key contributor remains to be seen, but so far, he’s earned his coach’s trust.