JJ Redick Opens Door for Bigger Bronny James Role With Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James is entering a make-or-break year, and head coach JJ Redick believes the third-year guard can earn a spot in the rotation.

James will play his first season without his father, LeBron, on the team, who has loomed over him. LeBron left for the Philadelphia 76ers to close out his career out East.

Without his father in the picture, now is the time for Bronny to assert himself as his own player and change the narrative around his career.

JJ Redick is already eyeing a role for James in the guard rotation, as a player who will compete with Sexton and Grimes.

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Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Bronny James (9) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“I think with Collin (Sexton), (Quentin Grimes) and Bronny, as he continues to develop — Jaden if he’s in the lineup — there are guys that can handle and guys that can create and initiate offense,” Redick said.

“My expectation is that, because we’ve obviously done some work on some substitution patterns, (Dončić and Reaves) will stagger.”

On paper, Bronny fits the rotation like a glove, with a two-way play profile, but it will come down to his development.

Redick noted how Bronny’s development has charted very well over the last two years, especially towards the end of last season.

“He’s gotten significantly better,” Redick said. “I know our staff has a lot of confidence in him. … He’s been arguably the best player for the last three or four weeks in our stay-ready games.

“He’s just got a bounce to his step. I think that just comes from developing that confidence.”

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Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Bronny James (9) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

James’ biggest weakness is his reluctance to create offense at times, but he has steadily grown in confidence on the ball.

If he can play with conviction in his role, James could be lined up to break through and take minutes from Sexton or Hardy thanks to his defensive chops.