Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick defended Bronny James' struggles throughout the preseason following Tuesday night's 101-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors, suggesting that the lineups surrounding the 22-year-old guard have contributed to his disappointing performances.
The loss dropped the Lakers to 2-2 in preseason play, with James continuing to struggle offensively despite receiving opportunities to establish himself in Los Angeles' rotation.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Redick acknowledged James' lackluster preseason while emphasizing his development behind the scenes.
“I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us. I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games, but he's had good practices,” Redick said.
“Again, some of it is just rhythm, some of it is who he's playing with, right? He's played a lot of minutes especially in the second half of games with our two big guys, you know, and tonight he played with Rafael [Castro] who's been with us for three days. So some of it is like the group he's with – it's not necessarily setting him up for success.”
JJ Redick on Bronny:
“I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices… Some of it is like the group he’s with; I think that is not necessarily setting him up for success.” pic.twitter.com/6jEhPBhsSS
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) October 14, 2026
James finished Tuesday's loss scoreless in approximately 11 minutes, missing both field-goal attempts while recording one rebound, one steal and four turnovers.
Through four preseason appearances, James has averaged just 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in approximately 17 minutes per game while committing 3.0 turnovers per contest. He has shot 26.7% from the field (4-for-15) and 14.3% from three-point range (1-for-7), highlighting his continued offensive struggles.
Bronny James' preseason struggles draw criticism from Lakers fans
The former USC guard opened the preseason with three points against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 5 before recording four points and five assists against Golden State the following night.
James followed that performance with four points and six assists in Thursday's 114-110 victory over Sacramento, although he committed four turnovers. His scoreless outing Tuesday marked his lowest-scoring performance of the preseason.
Redick's explanation subsequently drew criticism on Reddit, where several fans questioned whether James deserved continued opportunities with the Lakers.
Article Continues Below“I hate that nobody can openly say he is awful because of his father. Peak nepotism,” Reddit user LordStark01 wrote.
“Send him to Philly's G League team,” user motorboat_mcgee added.
“Bronny can't dribble or shoot. Him being a ‘defensive' guard doesn't mean anything when he just turns it back over on offense,” user RiversofJell0 wrote.
The criticism reflects the scrutiny James has faced since Los Angeles selected him in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
The 22-year-old will have another opportunity to finish the preseason on a positive note when the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets on Friday at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.
Los Angeles will then open its 2026-27 regular season against the Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN.