Bronny James Stats Tonight: LeBron James' son struggles in debut NBA Summer League game vs Rockets

After the California Classic, Bronny James and the LA Lakers are in Las Vegas for the opening of the Summer League games. James and Co. opened the competition against Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets. Basketball fans at the Thomas & Mack Center who haven’t seen James Jr. play were excited to see LeBron James’ son suit up for the Lakers.

As expected James started the game with Colin Castleton, Maxwell Lewis, Dalton Knecht and Tommy Kuhse. The former USC guard had a poor start on offense, making 1-of-4 shots and committing one turnover. It didn’t take long for the whistles to come out due to his inefficient offensive game.

Bronny James turned around his performance in the last six minutes of the first quarter to end up with six points. The first-period output was the most scored in three games this summer.

The six-minute span in the first quarter was the best stretch of James’ play against the Rockets. He wouldn’t score again until late in the fourth quarter to finish with eight points. The former Trojan made 3-of-14 shots, including a miserable 0-for-8 from behind the arc. He added five rebounds and two steals to his tally.

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JJ Redick is encouraged by Bronny James’ defense

LA Lakers coach JJ Redick was at the Thomas & Mack Center to watch his team’s game against the Houston Rockets. With Dane Johnson calling the shots, Redick was content to work behind the Lakers’ bench. He likely expected to be asked about Bronny James’ performances since he and GM Rob Pelinka drafted James Jr.

In a brief interview with ESPN, Redick said he liked Bronny James’ development on defense. He added that ball pressure is something LeBron James’ son will have to be even better at. Redick didn’t comment on the guard’s inept offensive display.

Heading into the draft, every basketball scout noted that Bronny James’ defense is more advanced than his offense. The evaluations have only been strengthened in three games with the LA Lakers this summer.

Leading into the game versus the Houston Rockets, James Jr. averaged 3.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 25.3 minutes per contest. There were times during his two games in the California Classic that he didn’t look confident enough to hoist up a shot.

On Friday, the confidence seemed to be there, as James jacked up 14 shots but made just three of them. His outside shooting needs some serious work, but JJ Redick didn’t dwell on that.

Redick praised James Jr.’s strong point, but he will unquestionably ask for more from the guard on offense.