Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick did not sugarcoat Bronny James' preseason performances after LA's 101-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.
"I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games," Redick said in the post-game conference, noting that Bronny has looked much better behind the scenes.
"I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us. I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games, but he's had good practices."
James struggled again against Golden State, finishing scoreless with 1 rebound and 4 turnovers in nearly 11 minutes while missing both of his field-goal attempts.
Through four preseason appearances, the 22-year-old guard has averaged 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 17.5 minutes per game.
"Some of it is just rhythm. Some of it is who he's playing with," Redick explained.
"He's played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games, with our two-way guys. Tonight, he played with Rafael [Castro], who's been with us for three days," the coach added.
"So some of the groups he's been with have not necessarily set him up for success."
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Bronny James remains under spotlight after LeBron's Lakers exit
Bronny is entering his third NBA season after averaging 2.9 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 42 appearances for the Lakers last season.
His future in Los Angeles also became a talking point during the offseason after his father, LeBron James, left for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Bronny was subsequently mentioned in trade speculation.
James signed a four-year, $7.9 million rookie contract in 2024. He is scheduled to earn around $2.3 million in 2026-27, while the Lakers hold a team option worth roughly $2.5 million for the following season.
The Lakers have one preseason game remaining against the Denver Nuggets before opening the 2026-27 regular season against Golden State on October 21.