Bronny James is a Laker because of ‘hard work’ says HC JJ Redick

The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing player development, which is why they drafted a raw Bronny James.

Bronny James is a Laker because of ‘hard work’ says HC JJ Redick

Head coach JJ Redick insists, Bronny James was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers due to his hard work and development potential

Bronny James is now officially a part of the Los Angeles Lakers. After months of speculation, the 19-year-old has joined his father, LeBron James to become the first father-son duo in basketball to be a part of the same team. However, many have claimed that it is James’ influence that brought his son to the team. But the new head coach, JJ Redick had a different take on this.

Today was the first official press conference for both rookies the Los Angeles Lakers drafted. There, the first-time head coach chimed in to talk about James Jr.’s draft:

Rob and I did not give Bronny anything. Bronny has earned this. Bronny has earned this through hard work.
JJ Redick at a recent press conference

With this statement, JJ Redick quashed all notions that James Jr. was drafted because of pressure from his father. The Lakers view him as an important piece of their puzzle going forward. Ever since the indications started growing that the former USC product would join his father, there were a lot of nepotism allegations floating around. Many analysts have tried to shut it down. But even then, the noise has not stopped.

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Many feel he did not earn this because of his play. After all, his disappointing season at USC prompted many to suggest he should have stayed in college for one more year.

Bronny James and his long-term NBA future

When the Los Angeles Lakers decided to draft Bronny James, they knew they were getting a raw package. That of a player with elite athleticism shoots the ball from the 3 and is an excellent perimeter defender. However, he is a tad small at 6′ 2″, which is not enough for the 2 positions he will play in the NBA. Therefore, he has to play big, to get an advantage over his opponent.

Given that he will have his father to coach him alongside the Lakers training staff, he has to learn and develop as quickly as possible. At the same time, he cannot take shortcuts to try and become a starter. He will also have to develop chemistry with the other Lakers, especially Anthony Davis.

After all, those are the players he will have to play with once LeBron James retires. Then he will be all on his own in the league. But do all of the above, and he might carve his legacy.

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