Bronny James 'wasn't handed anything,' insists Lakers head coach JJ Redick after NBA rookie was drafted by his famous dad LeBron's team

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick insisted that Bronny James was not 'handed anything' despite his father, LeBron James, being the face of the team. 

On June 27, the Lakers grabbed headlines by selecting Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft - making him and LeBron the first father and son tandem in the NBA. 

As cries of nepotism continue to circulate over his selection, Redick remains adamant that the rookie earned his slot in their roster.  

'Rob [Pelinka] and I did not give Bronny anything - Bronny has earned this,' Reddick said during the introductory presser for Bronny and 17th pick Dalton Knecht. 'Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny has earned this through his hard work.' 

'As we sort of build out our player development program holistically, he's going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.'

The purple and gold drafted Bronny after his lone season at the University of Southern California. 

As a freshman, the former Sierra Canyon star played in 25 games and made six starts for the Trojans. 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. 

While his numbers reflect his placement in the draft, Redick emphasized how LeBron's junior will set the precedent for the Lakers developing young talents. 

'For us, prioritizing player development... we view Bronny as case study [No] 1,' Redick claimed. 'Because [of] his baseline level of feel, athleticism, point of attack defending, shooting passing. There's a lot to like about his game.'

Following the draft, the Lakers posted the video of Reddick and Pelinka calling Bronny to inform him of their selection. In the clip, the first year head coach told the former Trojan he would have a long career in the league. 

'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. 

Redick 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.

Redick and Bronny enter the organization as they try to bounce back from their first round loss to the Denver Nuggets earlier this year. Until then, both Bronny and Knecht will get their reps at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. 

The Lakers Summer League team will take on the Houston Rockets at 7.30pm on July 12 to open their campaign.