“His playmaking has improved the most”: JJ Redick praises Bronny James’ growth as Los Angeles Lakers deve

“His Playmaking Has Improved the Most”: JJ Redick Praises Bronny James’ Growth as Los Angeles Lakers Dev

Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has been on a journey to forge his own path in the world of basketball. With a name like his, expectations were high from the start, but Bronny has worked diligently to carve out his own identity, both on and off the court. As he enters his first years in the NBA, those watching his progression have been consistently impressed by his growth. Among those offering high praise is former NBA sharpshooter and current analyst JJ Redick, who recently commended Bronny’s development as a player, particularly in the area of playmaking. As Bronny’s role with the Los Angeles Lakers has expanded, his improvements have been noticeable, and Redick’s endorsement adds to the growing recognition of Bronny’s potential.

Bronny James: A Legacy in the Making

Bronny James’ entrance into the NBA was never going to be a quiet one. As the son of LeBron James, who many consider one of the greatest players to ever play the game, the spotlight on Bronny was inevitable. From a young age, he was thrust into the basketball limelight, and much like his father, the expectations surrounding his future were sky-high. However, while many were quick to compare Bronny to his legendary father, it became clear that he was a player in his own right with a unique style and skill set.

Bronny’s early basketball career, from high school at Sierra Canyon to playing in the Nike EYBL circuit, showed glimpses of his potential. He demonstrated solid fundamentals, an ability to shoot the ball, and a defensive tenacity that stood out even at a young age. But while he was making strides, many wondered if he could step into the NBA spotlight and succeed on his own merit. Would his game be enough to thrive at the highest level? Could he live up to the legendary surname?

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, it was clear that they were looking to add a player with significant upside. But they were also bringing in a young man who had grown up under intense scrutiny. The Lakers, one of the most high-profile teams in the league, knew that Bronny’s journey wouldn’t just be about living up to the expectations set by his father. It would be about his development and his ability to grow as a basketball player.

JJ Redick: A Trusted Voice on Player Development

JJ Redick, a former NBA player and respected analyst, is one of the most insightful voices when it comes to understanding player development and evaluating young talent. Over his 15-year career, Redick established himself as one of the league’s top shooters, but he also built a reputation for being an intelligent, well-rounded player with a sharp basketball mind. His post-retirement analysis, often on platforms such as The JJ Redick Podcast and ESPN, has made him one of the go-to voices for assessing talent.

Redick’s insights into Bronny James’ growth have been widely regarded as particularly valuable because of his ability to identify key aspects of a player’s development, such as basketball IQ, decision-making, and overall skill progression. Redick doesn’t just look at the highlights or the stats; he dives deeper into a player’s game and provides a nuanced evaluation of their strengths and areas of improvement. This is why his praise for Bronny James has caught the attention of many.

The Growth of Bronny James: A Focus on Playmaking

One of the most significant aspects of Bronny’s development, as highlighted by JJ Redick, is his improvement in playmaking. Early in his basketball career, Bronny was primarily known for his defensive prowess, athleticism, and ability to knock down shots. But over time, as he matured both physically and mentally, his ability to orchestrate the offense and make plays for his teammates has become a standout feature of his game.

Redick has been particularly impressed with how Bronny’s playmaking ability has improved. “His playmaking has improved the most,” Redick stated in a recent broadcast. “When you watch him now, he’s not just a guy who stands in the corner and waits for the ball to come to him. He’s actively looking to create opportunities for others. He’s making the right reads, and he’s showing the ability to run the offense, something that is not easy to do, especially when you’re playing for a team with as much pressure as the Lakers.”

Indeed, Bronny’s playmaking has evolved significantly. In his early years, he was often seen as a secondary option on offense—someone who could catch and shoot or make plays in transition. However, as he has spent more time with the Lakers and learned from seasoned veterans like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the coaching staff, his vision and ability to make plays for others have become key assets in his game. His basketball IQ has clearly grown, as he has developed a knack for reading defenses and exploiting mismatches in ways that showcase his high-level court awareness.

One of the most noticeable improvements in Bronny’s playmaking has been his ability to initiate offense and set up teammates in scoring positions. His passing, especially in pick-and-roll situations, has become a crucial part of the Lakers’ offensive flow. In the past, Bronny may have deferred to others or relied on his scoring ability. Now, however, he is more patient with the ball, often making the extra pass and looking for the best possible shot for his team. His ability to control tempo and make plays in clutch moments has earned him significant praise from analysts like Redick.

Redick also emphasized the importance of Bronny’s decision-making, noting that as a young player, it’s common to make mistakes or become overly aggressive, but Bronny has demonstrated a mature approach to running the offense. “He’s not forcing the issue,” Redick explained. “He’s doing a great job of reading the floor and finding the open man. His growth as a decision-maker has been exceptional.”

Bronny’s Development within the Lakers System

One of the unique aspects of Bronny James’ development is that he is not just learning the game from any ordinary group of players—he is being mentored by some of the best basketball minds and players in the world. Playing alongside LeBron James, one of the greatest playmakers the game has ever seen, is an opportunity that few players in NBA history have ever had. LeBron’s influence on Bronny’s game has undoubtedly accelerated his development, and the impact is most visible in Bronny’s playmaking.

LeBron James is known for his elite passing, vision, and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. While Bronny’s style of play differs from his father’s, the two share a similar approach to the game in terms of basketball IQ. LeBron’s leadership on and off the court has undoubtedly helped Bronny refine his understanding of the game, particularly in terms of making decisions under pressure. LeBron’s advice and mentorship, as well as the Lakers’ coaching staff’s emphasis on team basketball, have allowed Bronny to blossom into a more complete player.

But it’s not just LeBron that Bronny has learned from. The Lakers’ veteran players, such as Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell, have also helped him grow, especially in terms of understanding how to be a team-first player. The Lakers’ commitment to a team-oriented system has fostered an environment in which Bronny can thrive, knowing that his contributions to the offense are valued and that he has the freedom to make plays.

The Future of Bronny James: More Than Just a Legacy

While much of the early conversation around Bronny James focused on his last name and his potential to follow in his father’s footsteps, his growth as a playmaker has added a new layer of intrigue to his future. JJ Redick’s praise highlights a crucial aspect of Bronny’s game—his ability to impact the game in ways that go beyond just scoring. As a player who is steadily improving in multiple facets of the game, Bronny’s potential is becoming more apparent with each passing season.

For the Lakers, having a player with Bronny’s skill set and basketball IQ bodes well for the team’s future. With LeBron James’ career winding down, the transition to the next generation of Lakers stars is already underway. Bronny’s role as a playmaker, combined with his defensive tenacity and emerging offensive skills, gives the Lakers a young player who can contribute to both ends of the floor. In the long term, he could very well become a leader on the team, capable of running the offense and making big plays in crucial moments.

For Bronny, the journey has just begun. His growth as a playmaker is a testament to his dedication and his ability to learn from some of the best in the game. With the mentorship of his father, the guidance of the Lakers’ coaching staff, and his own hard work, Bronny James is poised to become not just a player of great promise, but a key contributor to the future success of the Los Angeles Lakers.