Bronny James heads into the final preseason game of his third NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers still facing questions about whether he can handle the duties of an NBA point guard.
The 22-year-old has averaged 2.8 points, 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 17.5 minutes over four exhibition contests while shooting 26.7% from the field.
Those numbers come with 13 assists against 12 turnovers, a nearly one-to-one ratio that highlights ongoing issues with decision-making when pressured.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha offered a blunt take during an appearance on Hoops Talk With Allen Sliwa, questioning James’ readiness for a bigger role.
“He’s on the roster to some degree to be that caretaker offensively, run the show, get the guys into actions, and if Sexton or Austin or Luka misses time, step in as that third ball handler, and he’s not looked capable of doing that,” Buha said.
Buha acknowledged occasional flashes in a secondary playmaking role.
“He’s had some nice assist games, but in terms of actually running the offense and handling ball pressure and getting them into their actions, he’s not been able to do that in the preseason,” he added.
Coach JJ Redick was equally direct after Tuesday’s game.
“I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games,” Redick told reporters.
In that 101-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, James went scoreless on two shot attempts, committed four turnovers and recorded zero assists in 11 minutes.
Redick balanced the criticism by noting James’ strong summer and September practices, along with the challenges of playing alongside frequently changing lineups that often include two-way players.
Buha grouped James with fellow reserves Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy, describing their preseason showings as nearly a competition to determine who struggled the most.
The Lakers close out preseason Friday against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena, giving James one more chance to shift the conversation before the regular season begins.
Collin Sexton’s ongoing recovery from a lower-leg injury keeps the need for reliable ball-handling depth behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in focus.
James has occasionally displayed solid instincts when moving the ball away from the main action, but running an entire offense requires a higher level of composure than he has shown.
Friday’s finale offers his final preseason opportunity to prove he can manage that responsibility if called upon.
