Lakers’ Austin Reaves praises Bronny James amid preseason struggles
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for their third preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, and Bronny James has yet to impress through the club’s first two contests.
The No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, James appeared in just 27 regular-season games in 2024-25, averaging 2.3 points while shooting 31.3 percent from the field across 6.7 minutes per contest. His best game came against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20, when he logged 30 minutes and posted 17 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five assists, three rebounds and one block.
The 21-year-old flashed potential with the G League’s South Bay Lakers last season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him continue his development there at times during the 2025-26 campaign.
Austin Reaves backs Bronny James
James struggled with efficiency during his rookie season, which has also been a key issue through two preseason games. Over that span, he’s shot just 16.7 percent from the field while averaging 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists across 23.3 minutes per game.
Still, rising star Austin Reaves had his teammates back amid those struggles, praising his growth, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“He’s become a really good player,” Reaves said. “We went golfing the other day, and that was the first thing I told him. I think we were on hole one, and I was just like, I need to let you know — you’ve been, in preseason and before that, one of the better players out on the floor almost every day. So continue to do that.”
While James isn’t likely to crack the rotation on a regular basis this season, he’ll provide emergency depth for the club and could see additional opportunities if injuries arise. If his growth can match Reaves’ praise, he has the potential to earn more looks in Los Angeles.
