Broony James has gotten off to a rough start in this year’s summer league. In three games, he has shot a combined 6-of-26 from the field and 0-of-12 from 3-point range. The Lakers have lost all four of their summer league games (James missed one of them due to knee swelling), and they have yet to put together a complete game.
However, James has shown some promise in other areas, particularly on the defensive end. Defense is the one thing that scouts felt highly about when it came to his chances of succeeding at the next level, and he is someone who will get after it on that end of the floor.
New Lakers head coach JJ Redick is one of those who thinks very highly of James’ defensive potential. While admitting the 19-year-old is “a development player” who will spend time in the G League, he also said the guard’s defensive ceiling is very high.
Redick even dared compare James to Luguentz Dort, who is considered an excellent defender, of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“[Lou Dort’s] impact – you can’t get into your offense sometimes. The shot clock winds down because of his ball pressure…Bronny eventually will be that guy”
JJ Redick wants to see Bronny James focus on defense as he talks with @TermineRadio, Ryan McDonough, and @Jumpshot8. pic.twitter.com/hJ28D3J1Qp
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 13, 2024
The former sharpshooter and podcaster also made an appearance during the Lakers’ summer league game on Friday, and he reiterated his belief in James and his desire for the University of Southern California project to apply defensive ball pressure.
ESPN broadcast asks JJ Redick on what he sees and expects out of Bronny James pic.twitter.com/LLdT8gXEBU
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) July 13, 2024
This past season, the Lakers greatly lacked defensive pressure on the perimeter, both while opposing guards initiated their teams’ offense and on pick-and-roll coverages. While James was measured at just 6-foot-1.5 at the draft combine, he has a wingspan of 6-foot-7 and a vertical leap of 40.5 inches, which will certainly help him lock down opponents.
Until he learns how to knock down perimeter shots and create off the dribble, he can make his mark on defense.
