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The third preseason stint of Bronny James’ career was not kind to him. In five games, the Los Angeles Lakers guard averaged 2.2 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds while playing 16.4 minutes each night. He committed 12 turnovers and shot 25% from the floor and 12.5% beyond the arc. It was certainly not the sort of production that would endear James to anyone as he vies for a slim chance at rotation minutes to begin the year.
His head coach, JJ Redick, even acknowledged James’ slow preseason. But according to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James has not been fully healthy and Redick believes he hasn’t always been put in situations most conducive to success during training camp.
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“James, for his part, has been limited by a quad contusion he suffered just before the start of training camp, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote, “and Redick added that the third-year guard has often shared the court with training camp invitees, rather than rotation players and noted how James finished last season as a playoff contributor.”
The Lakers presumably will not be counting on James for crucial minutes to open 2026-27 or whenever they’re mostly healthy. But James did occasionally crack the rotation last season and Redick’s previously harped on the important of back-end bench guys to step up when others are unavailable. He and the entire Lakers organization will hope James’ quad contusion was the catalyst for his poor preseason and that he’ll be able to offer solid minutes if called upon.
Ahead of James in the guard room are the likes of Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić (if he counts), Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle, though I suspect the latter two here will see their fair share of minutes on the wings. Others such as Jaden Hardy, Chris Mañon and rookie Cameron Carr will duke it out with James for spot minutes in the backcourt.
When in form, James’ on-ball defense, shooting (38.6% from 3 last year) and connective passing can be of use. But he’ll have to prove last year was not an aberration beyond the arc and that he’s at least a mild threat with the ball in his hands, which has been a struggle…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bronny-james-dealing-quad-contusion-190658912.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-21 19:06:00
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