The Los Angeles Lakers gave Bronny James some meaningful playing time on Tuesday during a 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and it didn’t go well. James struggled to find his footing, going 0-for-5 from the field and getting exposed on the defensive end.

Bronny logged a career-high 15 minutes-well above his previous best of five – which he had recorded twice in blowout losses to the Grizzlies and Cavaliers. Notably, a good portion of his minutes on Tuesday night came while the game was still within reach.

Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted that giving Bronny a more prominent role might not have been the right decision.

“Maybe put him in a tough spot, flying out yesterday, nationally televised game and all that stuff,” Redick said. “He didn’t play well. But he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games and he’s been playing great in the G. I have confidence but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level.”

Bronny’s dad, LeBron, played 33 minutes, leading the Lakers with 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. He tried to look on the bright side but acknowledged Bronny could play better. “He was able to get behind the defense on one and find Jaxson (Hayes) for a dunk.

That was good,” LeBron James said. “Obviously missed his shots. It’s just about him just getting more and more comfortable.

It’s his first extensive minutes with us. We had that first game where it was just a moment, and it was a great moment, but tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, the big club. He’s going to continue to use that to get better and better, just like the first time he played with the G League.”

Bronny James has been thriving in the G League.

He scored 31 points in his most recent outing with the South Bay Lakers. James is averaging 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in the G League.