Bronny James was back on the court on Tuesday night.
The rookie got an extended run in the Lakers defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers but was not able to impress head coach JJ Redick.
No point and three turnovers in 15 minutes for the rookie guard left the Los Angeles Lakers head coach suggesting he may have a made mistake to insert the rookie into the rotation
“Maybe put him in a tough spot,” Redick said after James Jr shot 0-5 in the 118-104 loss.
“Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G [League].”
James came into the game on the back of a run of strong performances for the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers G-League Affiliate, resulting in him being recalled him on Monday in the middle of their five-game road trip.
The 20-year-old had not played any meaningful NBA minutes since opening night when history was made after LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo in league history.
Injuries provided the rookie with an opportunity in the team and he got his chance in the first quarter when the Lakers were up 17-9 against the 76ers.
Although he would quickly struggle under the lights as the guard was quickly pounced on by the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey who would force a turnover on him to score.
“Just felt like on a back-to-back, just him giving us energy, I think, was the goal,” Redick said in why he gave James minutes.
“I have confidence in him, but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level.”
Bronny also admitted that the call-up caught him off-guard, it was days ago he scored a season-high 31 points for the South Bay.
“It just came out of nowhere, so I was always trying to stay ready to play and always keeping my mind right,” he said.
Nevertheless, Bronny still feels he has improved since his debut back on opening night.
“I feel like I’m a whole lot more prepared now,” James said.
“Again, just coming out and staying ready after the G League stint and the season being down the road a little bit more, just staying ready. And coming in, playing smart.”
Meanwhile LeBron reflected on his son’s progress and is confident fans will see more from the rookie as the season goes on.
“Obviously, it’s his first extensive minutes with us,” the 40-year-old said. “We had that first game where it was just a moment — and that was a great moment.”
“But tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, be with the big club, and he’s going to continue to use that and get better and better.”
The Lakers will now head to Washington to take on the Wizards in two-days time in their last road game of the five-game trip before they host the New York Knicks in Los Angeles on Feb 2.
