The Los Angeles Lakers may have suffered a lopsided 132-74 defeat against the Golden State Warriors in their preseason finale on Friday, but rookie guard Bronny James provided a silver lining with his impressive performance. The 20-year-old, who was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the draft, started the game and tallied 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in 35 minutes of action.
Bronny’s showing was a significant improvement from his earlier preseason struggles, where he scored a mere 8 points on 4-for-20 shooting across five games. On Friday, however, he came out strong, scoring on a cutting layup within the first minute of the game and even connecting on a 28-foot jumper to beat the shot clock in the second quarter.
Building Confidence for the Future
Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of patience and optimism when it comes to the development of young players like Bronny. “I think for him and all our younger players, all the moments are building blocks,” Redick said. “Not just the good moments. The bad moments are learning opportunities.”
For Bronny, the strong performance in the preseason finale could serve as a confidence booster as he prepares for his rookie season in the NBA. “Just going into practice, maybe G League games with that confidence in myself to go out there and play my game,” he said. “I feel like that’s the biggest part of it.”
Another Rookie Shines: Quincy Olivari
Bronny wasn’t the only Lakers rookie to impress in the preseason finale. Quincy Olivari, an Exhibit 10 signee, led the team with 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting, including 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 7 rebounds in the game.
After the game, Olivari shared an emotional moment with Warriors star Stephen Curry, showing him a video of himself as a child getting an autograph from the sharpshooter. Curry gifted Olivari a pair of autographed shoes, a gesture that meant the world to the rookie. “I just want a job in the NBA,” Olivari said, fighting back tears. “Like, it’s the only thing I’ve wanted since I was like 5 years old.”
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
As the Lakers wrap up their preseason schedule, the focus now shifts to the regular season. While Bronny’s role in the rotation remains uncertain, his improved play and growing confidence could earn him opportunities to contribute, whether it’s with the Lakers or their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
The Lakers’ young core, including Bronny James and Quincy Olivari, has shown promise throughout the preseason. As they continue to develop under the guidance of coach JJ Redick and alongside veteran stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the future looks bright for this storied franchise.
Bronny wasn’t the only Lakers rookie to impress in the preseason finale. Quincy Olivari, an Exhibit 10 signee, led the team with 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting, including 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 7 rebounds in the game.
After the game, Olivari shared an emotional moment with Warriors star Stephen Curry, showing him a video of himself as a child getting an autograph from the sharpshooter. Curry gifted Olivari a pair of autographed shoes, a gesture that meant the world to the rookie. “I just want a job in the NBA,” Olivari said, fighting back tears. “Like, it’s the only thing I’ve wanted since I was like 5 years old.”
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
As the Lakers wrap up their preseason schedule, the focus now shifts to the regular season. While Bronny’s role in the rotation remains uncertain, his improved play and growing confidence could earn him opportunities to contribute, whether it’s with the Lakers or their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
The Lakers’ young core, including Bronny James and Quincy Olivari, has shown promise throughout the preseason. As they continue to develop under the guidance of coach JJ Redick and alongside veteran stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the future looks bright for this storied franchise.
