The Lakers are set to help create history when they drafted Bronny James to play alongside his legendary father. While there are speculations on how much game time he would see in his rookie season, Lakers superstar and legend Magic Johnson has expressed his support for Bronny spending most of his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers G League affiliate.
Magic Johnson made his views known when he appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ where he explained that if he were Bronny James or his dad, he would focus on developing his game. This is a sentiment shared by Lakers head coach JJ Redick who also addressed Bronny’s rookie season during an appearance on ‘The Lowe Post’ podcast.
If I’m Bronny, I would tell my dad, ‘Just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop… He needs to develop more and then he will be ready because he has some great talent and skills, but he needs to develop those skills at a much better clip… If I’m his father like LeBron is, he needs to develop.
Magic Johnson said on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Coach JJ Redick had suggested that Bronny and his father, LeBron James, will likely share the court “sooner rather than later.” However, he also acknowledged that Bronny would spend some time in the G League, which would balance his development.
Furthermore, given that the Lakers are under a lot of pressure to deliver this season there may not be enough minutes for Bronny to significantly develop with the NBA team. With the Lakers starting five revealed, it’s likely that Bronny will spend most of the 2024-25 season in the G League, with periodic opportunities to play for the Lakers.
Magic Johnson opens up on JJ Redick’s rookie season as Lakers coach
The Lakers’ hunt for a new coach landed with the inexperienced JJ Redick, who made the transition from NBA sharpshooter and media personality to head coach. After he led a successful career as a player and later as an NBA analyst, he is now tasked with the tough job of leading one of the most prestigious organizations in sports.
Lending his voice to the task ahead of the new coach, Lakers legend Magic Johnson addressed Redick’s hire during an appearance on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’. It was public knowledge that Johnson had advocated for UConn coach Dan Hurley to take charge of the Lakers, he however acknowledged Redick’s tactical intelligence and deep understanding of basketball.
It’s hard to go from where he was to the coach now because remember he was criticizing guys. Now he is got to come coach these guys that are in the NBA, in that locker room.
Magic Johnson said on Jimmy Kimmel Live
JJ Redick as an analyst was praised for his brilliant tactical mind, but being on the hot seat and making decisions on the go will determine how great a coach he will be. The Lakers begin their season with a tough game against last season’s beaten Western Conference finalists, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
