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A run for the Larry O'Brien trophy is not at all an out-of-this-world idea for the Los Angeles Lakers. Luka Doncic is playing at an NBA MVP level while LeBron James has quickly figured out his role with the squad. Coach JJ Redick's main tool has been proper rotations and schemes that maximize his players. It was all evident when Bronny James suited up for the main roster and delivered a masterclass against the Indiana Pacers.
Lakers need Bronny for the rest of the NBA season
It was evident that guard depth was not on the side of the Lakers in this matchup with the Pacers. It would be a questionable call to make Doncic and Austin Reaves tire themselves out because Marcus Smart was not playing. So, Redick made the decision to call in Bronny James. The young gun paid this trust back a thousandfold with his production.
In their 137-130 win over the Pacers, the younger James came off the bench for just 13 minutes and was an all-arounder. Coach Redick outlined why the Lakers needed him to step despite just being in the NBA G League a few weeks back, via Dan Woike of The Athletic.
"Felt like this was a game we really needed him. It was a game that, you know, his athleticism, his defense…. we saw it last year, and we’re seeing it again this year, just his growth as a player," the Lakers head coach declared.
James finished with four points after knocking down two out of his four field goal attempts. He then proceeded to stuff the box score by grabbing two steals, going up for a block, dishing out an assist, and notching a rebound. There are flashes of greatness and if the Lakers do continue to get him on the court, they will see him shine more.
LeBron could not be more proud of his teammate and son after stepping up.
"Just proud of him. I’m super proud of him. And he belongs. He belongs. Physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, he’s back. Real, meaningful minutes. I couldn’t dream of better. I couldn’t dream of something better than that... So, for the coaching staff to trust him tonight, and for him to have significant playing time and make plays — and for me to be out there on the floor with him — that’s … I couldn’t, I couldn’t dream of a better feeling than that. I could not," the Lakers superstar said.
There are nine games remaining in the Lakers' regular season campaign. Will Bronny be in action more and is Redick's decision going to carry over to the NBA Playoffs?
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