Redick Raves Bronny Can Ignite Lakers Playoff Run

JJ Redick praised second-year guard Bronny James, saying the team trusts him and that he's improved, three days before the Lakers open their first-round series against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers are shorthanded with two of their three All-Stars out, so LeBron has become the primary scorer and playmaker. Bronny has played all five games since April 2, averaging 6.6 points on 46.4 percent shooting, 2.0 assists, and has hit six of his last ten threes. Merlin sees a young player standing at a crossroads. With Luke Kennard stepping into the starting lineup, Marcus Smart back, and Nick Smith Jr. getting more minutes, the bench must steady the ship. Bronny’s hot shooting earns trust, but playoff defense and poise will prove whether he is a momentary spark or a steady contributor.