Redick questions Bronny James' form as Lakers face roster cut

Lakers coach JJ Redick says Bronny James has not played well in the team’s four preseason games, although he said the guard has had good practices. James has recorded a combined 11 points and 12 turnovers as Los Angeles approaches its final preseason game and a deadline to reduce its roster.

James went scoreless in 11 minutes off the bench during Wednesday’s 101-89 loss to the Warriors in Las Vegas. He attempted two shots and finished with one rebound, one steal and four turnovers.

Redick sees a difference between games and practice

“I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us, but I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices,” Redick said after the loss.

The coach said James’ rhythm and the players alongside him were part of the picture. He noted that James has spent considerable time, particularly in the second half of games, with the Lakers’ two-way players.

“Tonight he played with Rafael (Castro), who has been with us for three days,” Redick said. “Some of it is like the group he’s with. I think that is not necessarily setting him up for success.”

Lakers star Luka Dončić did not play against the Warriors, but Redick still used 16 players. James was among those to come off the bench, with his 11 minutes adding to a difficult start to the preseason.

A different third season for James

James is entering the third year of his NBA career and his first season without his father, LeBron James, on the same team. After appearing in 27 regular-season games in 2024-25, he played in 42 last season.

He also split time with the South Bay Lakers, now the Coachella Valley Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate. James shot 38.6% from three-point range on 1.4 attempts per game and earned minutes during the first round of the playoffs against the Rockets.

The Lakers guaranteed his $2.29 million salary for 2026-27 earlier this summer. Previously, $1.25 million of that salary had been guaranteed. The season is part of the four-year, $7.89 million contract James signed after being selected with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Roster decision and season opener ahead

James’ role heading into Year 3 remains unclear. Los Angeles has 16 players on its active roster and must remove at least one before Monday’s cutdown day.

The Lakers have one preseason game remaining, against the Nuggets on Friday. They then open the regular season at home against the Warriors on 21 October.