The biggest storyline revolving around the Los Angeles Lakers at present is the draft selection of Bronny James. The 6-foot-2 guard is currently seeing action in the Summer League, and it looks like JJ Redick already has a developmental plan in mind for him. During a recent interview, Redick spoke in detail about molding Bronny into a defensive stopper. In fact, the newly hired head coach even named a player that Bronny could supposedly emulate in the future: Lu Dort.
“…And what I've communicated to him (Bronny), right now, what we're looking for is defensive ball pressure,” Redick said. “I told him this yesterday. I said ‘I don't care if you have 10 fouls, I don't care if you get blown by. What I do care about, is if you're on the ball and you're three feet off the ball. Like you have to be a guy that's a ball hawk at all times'…He has a really good instinctive nature on the defensive end. I thought the third game in the Cali Classic, he made eight or nine really good defensive plays.”
“We used the example yesterday. We were at the Canda-USA basketball exhibition game, and I turned to one of our assistant coaches during the game and I said ‘I think Lu Dort just single-handedly broke up the eighth possession of the game.' Like his impact, you can't get into your offense sometimes, the shot clock winds down because of his ball pressure; He literally blows up entire plays because of that pressure. And I really believe this — Bronny eventually will be that guy.”
Fans react to JJ Redick's take
While the optimism for Bronny's growth is certainly strong with Redick, not everyone is convinced. Redick's statement brought out mixed reactions online, and some of them were just downright brutal.
Despite the negativity, there were still some responses that showed either consideration or support for Redick's bold take.
As indicated by Redick, Lu Dort's game centers around defense. The Canadian only stands at 6'4, but he has the strength and build to get stops on much taller players. Dort's physical traits and endless motor have propelled him to the Oklahoma City Thunder's starting lineup, and he's always tasked to guard the opposing team's best scorer.
Can Bronny James somehow be that guy in the future? The guard certainly has the athleticism. During the combine, Bronny wowed scouts with his vertical jump and quick feet. His offense is still raw, but — as mentioned in the video above — spending time in both the NBA and the G League will arguably help him adjust to the pros. Iron sharpens Iron, right? In other words, being surrounded by players and trainers at the highest level will likely speed up his growth.
The pressure will always be a backpack that Bronny has to carry. With how big of a basketball figure his father is, it'll likely stay with him for a very long time. The best that he can do right now is put in the work and aim to become a player that will silence the naysayers.
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