Everyone knows that player comparisons can be flawed. Still, they can also be a model to communicate expectations for someone like Bronny James. JJ Redick offered Davion Mitchell and T.J. McConnell as two realistic examples to work towards.
This is not like those egregious instances of the mechanic that can come around the time of the NBA Draft. Players, especially near the top of the lottery, will often be slapped with unrealistic expectations that can often hinder their process and even their reputation.
Ben Simmons never really became LeBron James, did he?
For Bronny, Redick has clearly outlined a way to be a difference-maker. An inside look at James’ development with Dave McMenamin highlighted why Redick believes this the path for the young Los Angeles Lakers guard.
James can secure his spot in the rotation with needed growth
The Lakers head coach explained to McMenamin that conditioning will go a long way for James in 2025-26. Ensuring Bronny is in ‘elite shape’ will allow him to pass the ‘barrier of entry.’
“On every single possession, … they’re able to impact it with how hard they play,” Redick told ESPN. “With the defensive pickup points, the disruption, being able to get downhill … I think we have all seen these amazing flashes of it from Bronny. And to get to that next level for him, it’s cardio fitness.”
This aligns well with what James has said of himself in the past. Being a defensive pest would allow Bronny his opportunity, and that would come with the focus on conditioning. It would give coaches a reason to want the Lakers guard in the game, even if his offense is still a work in progress.
Bronny James caught FIRE for the @lakers! ☀️
He scored all 18 of his points in the second half vs. the Celtics. This was his highest scoring game in Vegas. #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/8PeBzBleYd
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 18, 2025
The previously mentioned Mitchell was certainly a much more highly-touted prospect in the NBA Draft than James was. However, the Miami Heat guard has often struggled to play truly impactful offense. Albeit, his 2025 NBA Playoffs told a different story.
Still, Mitchell was afforded ample opportunity with the Sacramento Kings to figure it out because of the defensive presence that the tenacious guard offered. For context, Mitchell only mustered 1.0 offensive win share over his first three seasons with the Kings despite averaging 20.4 minutes.
McConnell would be the next step after that. The Indiana Pacers guard brings much more two-way impact, with a far more advanced offensive game than Mitchell. Even with his shooting limitations, the veteran guard never has the Pacers questioning his role off the bench.
Those two examples outline very sustainable ways for James to carve out his spot in the rotation for 2025-26. Depending on how the addition of Marcus Smart impacts lineups, there may still be a backup guard spot that awaits Bronny in the upcoming season.
