Why JJ Redick believes Bronny James will develop into Lakers' version of Lu Dort
Being the son of an NBA legend comes with big expectations.
That's certainly the case for Bronny James, who'll play with his father, LeBron James, this upcoming season after getting selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2024 NBA Draft.
All eyes have been on James as he plays for Los Angeles in Las Vegas Summer League. And while the 19-year-old guard will likely never reach the level of his father, JJ Redick has a different player archetype in mind for him.
During an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio on Monday, the newly-hired Lakers head coach said he believes James will eventually develop into a defensive-minded player like Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort.
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"Right now, what we're looking for is defensive ball pressure," Redick said. "(James has) already got a great feel. He has a really good instinctive nature on the defensive end. ... (Dort) literally blows up entire plays because of that pressure. And, I really believe this, Bronny eventually will be that guy."
Dort spent one season at Arizona State, and he didn't get selected in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 6-4 guard then joined OKC on a two-way contract, and he has climbed the ranks ever since.
Dort is now a starter who averaged 10.9 points and 3.6 rebounds last season while shooting a career-high 39.4% from deep. He also finished just two votes shy of making the NBA All-Defensive second team.
James showed flashes of potential as a 3-and-D player during his lone season at USC. The 6-2 guard has a good shooting stroke and is excellent at anticipates passes on defense. He also has a strong frame that allows him to defend larger opponents.
That hasn't translated to the next level yet, though. James is averaging five points and four rebounds in Las Vegas Summer League play through two games, and he's a combined 0 for 11 from deep.
More: Thunder vs Heat recap: Ajay Mitchell shines, but OKC falls to 0-2 in NBA Summer League
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lakers believe Bronny James will develop into their version of Lu Dort
