JJ Redick Reveals Key Adjustment Bronny James Must Make to Thrive in NBA and Carve Out Meaningful Career Like His Father

In a recent appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, former sharpshooter and current analyst JJ Redick offered his thoughts on Bronny James—the son of NBA legend LeBron James—and what the young guard must do to solidify his place in the league. As excitement and scrutiny continue to swirl around Bronny following his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Redick’s message was clear and instructive: “Bronny’s path to a long NBA career won’t come from trying to be his dad. It’ll come from mastering his role.”

Redick’s commentary wasn’t meant as criticism, but rather as an essential piece of advice. Having played 15 seasons in the NBA and carved out a respected career as a specialist, Redick knows what it takes to stick in the league, especially when the expectations are sky-high.

A Unique Pressure

Bronny James enters the NBA carrying a last name synonymous with greatness. The pressure that comes with being LeBron James’ son is unprecedented in professional basketball. From high school through his brief college career at USC, every game, every highlight, and even every misstep was magnified.

JJ Redick empathizes with that challenge but urges Bronny to focus on what he brings to the court rather than chasing comparisons. “Bronny is a different player from LeBron. That’s not a bad thing. He’s got tools that can translate if he embraces them.”

What Bronny Brings

Despite being drafted in the second round, Bronny James has shown promise as a capable perimeter defender, high-IQ player, and unselfish ball mover. At 6-foot-2, he may not boast elite size for an NBA guard, but his basketball instincts and understanding of the game are notable.

“He already has some of the traits that coaches love—he defends, he communicates, and he doesn’t need the ball to be effective,” said Redick. “Those things matter more than people think in terms of staying power in the NBA.”

Redick also praised Bronny’s demeanor, calling it “calm, composed, and professional—just like his dad, but without the need for the spotlight.”

A Defining Summer League Performance

Bronny’s debut in the NBA Summer League was filled with anticipation. While he didn’t post eye-popping numbers, his hustle plays, ability to guard multiple positions, and willingness to make the right basketball decisions were on display.

“There were a couple of possessions where Bronny rotated perfectly on defense or made an extra pass instead of forcing a shot,” Redick pointed out. “Those are winning plays. If he makes enough of them, he’ll earn minutes.”

Still, his shooting percentages and overall aggressiveness remain a work in progress. Redick believes this is where Bronny’s growth must come.

The One Thing: Improve His Shooting

“If I had to pick just one thing Bronny must focus on to make it in the NBA, it’s shooting,” Redick stated unequivocally. “In today’s game, if you’re a guard and you can’t consistently hit open threes, it’s going to be tough. He needs to turn that into a weapon.”

The former Duke star explained that Bronny doesn’t have to become a lights-out shooter overnight, but he must show he can knock down shots when defenders go under screens or when he’s left open in the corners.

“You’re going to get those shots playing next to LeBron and Luka Doncic,” Redick said, referencing the Lakers’ newest dynamic duo. “If Bronny can shoot 37 to 38 percent from three, he becomes a reliable 3-and-D guard. That’s his ticket.”

Learning From the Greats

Bronny has a unique opportunity to grow under the guidance of not just his father, but also Lakers veterans like Anthony Davis and new additions like Marcus Smart. Redick encouraged Bronny to soak up everything he can from those around him.

“This kid’s in a film room with LeBron James and Darvin Ham. If he’s a sponge, he’ll accelerate his learning curve,” Redick said. “He’s in the best place possible to understand what it takes to be a pro.”

Redick compared Bronny’s potential career trajectory to that of guys like Gary Payton II and Davion Mitchell—guards who earned their reputations with defense, hustle, and timely offense.

Blocking Out the Noise

Redick also cautioned against listening too much to the outside noise, which includes social media critics who question whether Bronny would be in the NBA without his last name.

“Look, the scrutiny is unfair, but it’s real. He’s going to get compared to players taken before and after him, every step of the way. But the only thing that matters is what the Lakers see, and if he helps them win,” Redick said.

“The NBA is about roles. There are 450 players in the league and maybe 20 stars. The rest are guys who do the little things really well. Bronny can be one of them.”

A Unique Opportunity with LeBron

One of the most talked-about elements of Bronny’s arrival in L.A. is the chance to play alongside his father. LeBron has publicly stated how meaningful it would be to share the court with his son, and the Lakers are expected to make it happen in the 2025–26 season.

But Redick insists that the father-son storyline shouldn’t define Bronny’s career. “It’s cool, and it’ll be historic. But if Bronny’s going to make it long-term, it’ll be because of what he does—defend, shoot, contribute.”

In that sense, the best thing Bronny can do is distance himself from the narrative and let his game do the talking.

Long-Term Outlook

While Bronny James may not have entered the NBA with the same explosive impact as his father, Redick’s insights frame a realistic and encouraging path forward.

If Bronny improves his shooting, stays committed to defense, and continues to be a high-IQ player, he could find himself in a long and meaningful NBA career—not just as “LeBron’s son,” but as Bronny James, dependable role player.

“In the end, the league rewards guys who do the right things and stay ready. If Bronny embraces that, he’ll be just fine,” Redick concluded.

The road ahead for Bronny James won’t be easy, and the expectations will always be outsized. But with mentors like JJ Redick offering practical advice, and with a front-row seat to NBA professionalism through his father, Bronny has the tools, resources, and now, the opportunity.

JJ Redick’s advice is simple, yet powerful: be a specialist, embrace the grind, and knock down open shots. If Bronny can do that, the comparisons to LeBron may fade—and the recognition for Bronny’s own achievements will finally begin.