Lakers coach JJ Redick has admitted Bronny James has not played well in the preseason, with the third-year guard’s form under the spotlight as Los Angeles prepares to settle its regular-season roster.
Redick made the comments after the Lakers’ 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas on Tuesday (US time), when James was scoreless in 11 minutes, missing both of his shots and committing four turnovers, CBS Sports and Lakers Wire reported.
“I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us,” Redick said. “I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices.”
Redick pointed to rhythm and the players around James. “He’s played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games with our two-way guys,” he said, noting James had shared the floor with Rafael Castro, who had been with the team for three days. “I think that is not necessarily setting him up for success.”
Through four preseason games, James has 11 points and 12 turnovers combined, according to CBS Sports. Lakers Wire reported he has shot 4-of-15 from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point range.
Read more: Lakers Lose to Warriors as Walker Kessler Debuts, Luka Doncic Rests
Roster call looming
The Lakers have one preseason game left, against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on Friday (US time), and must then trim their roster to 15 players, Lakers On SI reported.
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported the Lakers are among a few teams still exploring trades, according to Lakers On SI, which listed James alongside Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy as players rumoured to be on the trade block. The Lakers have made no announcement.
Read more: Walker Kessler Nears Lakers Preseason Debut After Full Practice
CBS Sports noted James is entering Year 3 of his NBA career and playing his first season without his father, LeBron James, on the same team.
What’s next
The Nuggets game is James’ last preseason outing before the Lakers finalise their 15-man roster for the regular season.
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