Bronny James’ role in Lakers future: JJ Redick shares key advice ahead of 2025–26 NBA season

The offseason is currently underway in the National Basketball Association (NBA), with teams busy strengthening their rosters by making moves and adding players ahead of the new season of the world’s most popular league.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been especially active this offseason, as LeBron James’ future and Luka Dončić’s upcoming contract extension have been two of the biggest issues they are dealing with.

However, one issue that has flown under the radar is Bronny James and the role he will play for the franchise in the 2025–26 season. There is no doubt that Bronny experienced a steep learning curve in his rookie season and underwhelmed when given minutes on the court by head coach JJ Redick. The 20-year-old averaged 2.3 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 rebounds in approximately 6.7 minutes per game across 27 appearances.

Notably, he split his rookie season between the NBA and the G League, where he made 18 appearances (including the regular season and Tip-Off Tournament) for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. The young guard did show flashes of brilliance, including a nine-point performance against the Utah Jazz in February and a career-high 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks in March.

Heading into his second season with the Lakers, questions remain about Bronny’s role. In a recent interview with ESPN, JJ Redick revealed he had offered him advice on areas to improve.

BRONNY JAMES TONIGHT:

17 POINTS
5 ASSISTS
3 REBOUNDS

CAREER HIGH. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4Hk748au5c

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) March 21, 2025

“The biggest thing for Bronny is that he has to get in elite shape. That’s the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he’s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA,” Redick said.

The Lakers head coach encouraged James to study players like Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat and T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers, both known for their strong two-way play, stamina, and physicality.

“On every single possession, they are in the game—whether that’s offensively or defensively—they are able to impact it with how hard they play. With the defensive pickup points, the disruption, being able to get downhill. I think we’ve all seen these amazing flashes of it from Bronny. And to get to that next level for him, it’s cardio fitness.”

“He’s cleared. I get that there’s a history there—a really scary thing that he had to live through—and I think it’s tough to push past certain points for him. But he’s going to get there. He’s going to get there,” Redick concluded.

Whether Bronny can develop into his optimal self in terms of fitness is something that will only become clear in the next NBA season.

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