The Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach JJ Redick believes Bronny James will have a ‘long NBA career.’
On Thursday, the Lakers grabbed headlines by selecting their star LeBron James’ son with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft.
Less than 24 hours later, the team’s social media posted the clip of Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka speaking to LeBron’s junior on the phone before the pick was made official.
‘Bronny, this is JJ. I just wanted to say congrats, man,’ Redick says over the speaker phone. ‘Your hard work’s paid off. You’re going to have a long NBA career and I can’t wait to coach you man.’
‘I appreciate it, coach,’ Bronny responded.
Lakers coach JJ Redick told 55th pick Bronny James he’s going to have a ‘long NBA career’
The purple and gold drafted Bronny after his lone season at the University of Southern California, making him and LeBron the first father-and-son tandem in the league.
As a freshman, the former Sierra Canyon star played in 25 games and made six starts for the Trojans. In his lone college campaign, Bronny averaged only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists as his team finished with a 15-18 record, placing ninth in the Pac-12.
Nevertheless, Bronny entered the draft where his numbers reflected his second-round selection.
‘I think you’ve worked incredibly hard man,’ Pelinka told the rookie. ‘You’ve put in a ton of work. When we had lunch up at the facility for your workout, we talked about your work ethic and that means a lot to us.’
The Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday evening
Bronny and LeBron James will be the first father and son duo to play together in the NBA
In his 20th season, LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists for the Lakers
‘I think you’re a player of high character and a person of high character, and that is valued at the Lakers,’ he continued. ‘It’s important for coach Redick and I to let you know those qualities really stand out.’
‘And so, the Lakers are going to draft you with the 55th pick.’
The Lakers fell to the Denver Nuggets, 4-1, in the opening round of the NBA playoffs this past season.
Bronny averaged only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans
After failing to sign Dan Hurley from UConn, the Lakers gave JJ Redick the head coaching job
Before that, Bronny’s father and now teammate averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field in his 20th season in the league.
As for Redick, he landed the Lakers job after UConn coach Dan Hurley turned down a lucrative offer from the team.
The NBA guard turned media personality has no prior coaching experience in the NBA but signed to a four-year deal worth $8million per season.
