Lakers HC JJ Redick shares bold take on Bronny James’ doubters after final regular season game

The Los Angeles Lakers have secured a spot in the playoffs, and now they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves for a chance to advance to the next round. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic in top form, the Lakers, led by head coach JJ Redick, have the potential to bring a championship back to Los Angeles. One of the key players off the bench is none other than Bronny James.

Redick made the decision to start Bronny in the final game of the regular season, but the young player didn’t quite live up to expectations, at least according to the stats. Despite his efforts, the Portland Trail Blazers had other plans, limiting his impact on the court.

While Bronny’s performance in the last game may not have been ideal, the support from fans remains unwavering. Many are hopeful that he will eventually become one of the best players in the NBA, just like his father. Following the game, social media was flooded with comments, both positive and critical, in response to his performance.

Redick, aware of the intense pressure surrounding Bronny, took the time to address the situation with SoCal News Group. He shared his candid thoughts on James’ progress, saying, “I give him an A-plus. How he has personally handled the attention, both good and bad, and how he maintains his composure, it’s impressive. He doesn’t break character.”

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Reddick watches game play during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Redick reflects on Bronny’s regular season performance

Although Bronny James didn’t play extensively during the regular season, his performance highlighted the potential for further development in several areas. Redick shared his thoughts on the growth of LeBron James’ son and praised the work done by the South Bay Lakers staff during his time there.

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“He’s the same guy every day,” Redick explained. “He doesn’t let the positive attention affect him, and he doesn’t let the negative attention get to him either. He just continues to work. I thought Coach Zach Guthrie and his staff did a phenomenal job with him when he was down with the South Bay Lakers.”

Redick continued, noting Bronny’s growth over the course of the season: “He’s improved, and we saw this particularly in the early games. I went to some early matchups, and watching his confidence grow from October and November to the second part of the G League season, especially after the Showcase, was phenomenal.”

Bronny’s stats in his first regular season with the Lakers

Despite the criticism and attention he faced during his first NBA regular season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has plenty to work through in the coming games. Across 26 appearances, he averaged just 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, modest stats for a player accustomed to a different reality in the G League.

In Sunday’s game against Portland, which marked his first start, his numbers remained consistent with his regular-season averages: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in 38 minutes, while shooting 2-of-10 from the floor.