New head coach JJ Redick revealed the message he gave Bronny James about his defense as the Los Angeles Lakers rookie continues to gain his footing in NBA Summer League.
Redick said that he wants James guarding the ball on defense without worrying about allowing players to get around him.
“We want you pressuring the ball… if you get blown by, that’s on me,” Redick said during ESPN’s broadcast of the Lakers vs. the Houston Rockets.
James’ defense has been solid through two Summer League games as he’s averaged 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. His best game defensively so far in came on Wednesday when he notched three blocks, two steals and five boards against the Miami Heat.
As a prospect, it was James’ defense that stood out the most after an underwhelming season at USC. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman said in his scouting report of James that he will likely assume a three-and-D role with the Lakers.
“Defense is where he can separate himself from other guards on the roster,” Wasserman wrote. “And assuming he continues to be effective sliding his feet, fighting through screens and making plays in passing lanes, James’ most likely path to a rotation is as a three-and-D combo.”
He’s shown flashes of his defensive abilities early on in Summer League, but has struggled from beyond the arch, going 0-of-4 from deep across his first two games. The poor shooting could correct itself as James continues to get his nerves out, and Lakers fans could start to see a potential three-and-D option to play alongside LeBron James.
James will reportedly begin the season with the Lakers but is expected to spend most of the year in the G League to continue developing. For now, he’ll look to make his mark in Summer League.