JJ Redick Criticizes Bronny James After Pre-Season Play
The Lakers coach highlights turnover concerns following the team's pre-season exhibition series.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball
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LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick has publicly criticized Bronny James for a lackluster pre-season performance. James struggled with consistency, raising questions about his rotation status as the new season approaches.
Why it matters
The comments signal growing uncertainty regarding James's role in a competitive Lakers backcourt. His development trajectory remains under scrutiny as the team balances established talent with younger players.
Bronny James recorded 12 turnovers while scoring just 11 total points in four pre-season appearances. This follows a two-season career average of 2.7 points per game across 69 total appearances.
The players
JJ Redick
JJ Redick is the current head coach of the LA Lakers who previously played 15 seasons in the NBA.
Bronny James
Bronny James is a professional basketball player currently competing for the LA Lakers.
LeBron James
LeBron James is a professional basketball player who joined the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2026.
The details
James, 22, struggled during his pre-season minutes, which were largely spent playing alongside two-way roster members in the second half of games. He faces stiff competition for backcourt playing time from teammates including Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Austin Reaves, and Collin Sexton.
Timeline
Bronny James entered the NBA in 2024.
LeBron James moved to the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2026.
James participated in team practices during September 2026.
The 2026 NBA regular season begins on October 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This situation follows a pattern set by the NBA's standard two-way player development program in managing the transition of young players into full-time rotation roles. The heavy competition in the Lakers backcourt places James outside the immediate primary rotation for the upcoming season.
James is unlikely to secure significant minutes in the regular season rotation due to depth in the backcourt. Fantasy participants and bettors should adjust expectations for his statistical contributions, as he is currently trending toward limited court time.
The takeaway
Effective development requires consistent play even in limited exhibition minutes. Players aiming for rotation spots must prioritize ball security to earn the trust of their coaching staff during the pre-season.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves and development, visit the Los Angeles Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mozzart Sport Kenya.
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