"Of course, there are nerves" - Bronny James gets candid ahead of Lakers preseason debut, reflects on JJ Redick's coaching approach

Bronny James and the LA Lakers will compete in their 2024-25 season's first preseason game on Friday afternoon. For James, the game will be his first in the NBA after competing in the California Classic and the NBA 2k25 Las Vegas Summer League. With anticipation at an all-time high, the NBA community is eager to see how the second-generation hooper performs.

Before tip-off later tonight in LA, James spoke with media members following morning shootaround. James discussed several topics during the media scrum, from the emotions heading into his first preseason game to what it's like playing under coach JJ Redick.

“Of course, there are nerves. Firsts with everything. I’m just excited to go out there and learn and learn from the people playing in front of me. I always go out and try to play my game and play the right way, So I never try to overthink my game," James said.

Given it's a preseason game, James could get some playing time, considering coaches often limit starters' minutes throughout the preseason.

At the same time, Redick said several players are fighting for the final spot in his ideal nine-man rotation, and James could have minimal playing time.

Bronny James opens up on playing under JJ Redick

In addition to this season being the first for Bronny James in the NBA, it will also be NBA vet JJ Redick's first season as coach of the LA Lakers. After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign under Darvin Ham, LA's front office parted ways with the coach this summer.

After a lengthy coaching process that saw the team attempt to hire NCAA coach Dan Hurley, the Lakers settled on Redick, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

Reports have indicated since the start of training camp, the vibes are high throughout the team as the Lakers led by Redick prepare for the 2024-25 season ahead.

Speaking with media members on Friday, James opened up on training camp and his first impressions of Redick as a coach:

"Working hard working on going out there, trying to get better every day, like I have been doing all summer, so, yeah, just building the routine. ... He's a great coach so far. Its been amazing vibes in the facility so far, so I feel like it's, you know, upped the vibes from what it was last year, from what I've heard."

While LeBron James has said that he isn't putting any expectations on the season ahead, it's clear that there seems to be optimism surrounding the upcoming season for the Lakers.