Lakers Molding Bronny James Into Perfect Role Player
Bronny James is coming off a great 2025 Summer League, where he showed improvements primarily on the offensive end of the floor. His highlight game came against the Clippers, where he finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Bronny is slowly gaining the confidence needed to play at this level. One of the best ways to gain skills or confidence is to emulate a player or person you already see exemplifying that skill. JJ Redick recently came out with two players that he’d like to see Bronny study, and they’re both fantastic role players.
JJ Redick wants Bronny James to study the games of Davion Mitchell and T.J. McConnell
“On every single possession, they’re in the game — whether that’s offensively or defensively — they’re able to impact it with how hard they play. With the defensive pickup points, the… pic.twitter.com/rkDmUc6Uxw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 29, 2025
Redick has a Clear Path for Bronny
Lakers head coach, JJ Redick, wants James Jr. to study the games of Davion Mitchell and T.J. McConnell prior to the beginning of the season. Mitchell and McConnell are guards who contribute on the offensive end but are most effective on the defensive side of the ball. One, even doing so in the finals a couple of months ago.
James Jr. can definitely learn a lot when studying their game, as both are great with deflections, steals, and facilitating a second unit. Another player he’ll quickly be able to learn from is his newest teammate, Marcus Smart.
The overall goal for James Jr. this season is to crack the rotation. The Lakers are very guard-heavy with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and the newly acquired Marcus Smart. The only realistic way that James Jr. can be in the rotation is if Vincent were to be moved.
Redick said, “The biggest thing for Bronny is that he has to get in elite shape. That’s the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he’s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA.”
James Jr. has been honing his craft this offseason, and it definitely showed this summer in Las Vegas. If he keeps improving, there should be no reason why he shouldn’t be in the rotation this season. And how cool would it be to finally see the lob to his dad, LeBron James, on game day?
