Lakers' Bronny James focusing on 'being a pest on defense' in preseason

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Bronny James arrived at his press conference Sunday night looking subdued.

Maybe a tad disappointed.

Or frustrated.

That would be cause for Los Angeles Lakers fans to feel good about LeBron James' son after after the famous NBA rookie missed his only shot, had four turnovers in 13 minutes and … made remarkable history.

Bronny and LeBron became the first father and son in NBA history to play in the same game. They took the court together at the start of the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. After the game, LeBron called it "a moment I'll never forget."

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But Bronny knew it was the wrong time to celebrate, even on his 20th birthday. At least not in public.

During a four-minute stretch on the floor with his father, Bronny had three turnovers, a foul and missed his only shot. In the Lakers' preseason opener Friday, Bronny shot 1-for-6 from the floor, but also had a game-high three blocks.

"He's tough," Lakers star big man Anthony Davis said. "Obviously he's defensive-minded. Some great blocks. And the physicality he gets over screens. He's good with his hands with deflections and steals. But he's also still learning. He's still trying to figure everything out."

What he seems to have figured out he still needs to prove he belongs in the NBA.

During Bronny’s press conference with the media Sunday, a reporter told him the media had just heard from LeBron how much the moment means to him for Bronny to get to this point. And what was Bronny’s perspective?

His voice almost monotone, Bronny said Lakers coach JJ Redick informed him before the game he’d play with LeBron.

"So I was pretty psyched for that," he said, sounding less than psyched.

Was he able to reflect on the historic moment before or after the game?

"Nah," Bronny replied. "Just being prepared for another game that I'm going out and trying to play my best at."

He seemed far more interested in having been in the game as the Lakers and Suns battled in the final minutes.

"Yeah, just getting those reps in every game and trying to find my role," he said. "That's my main focus every time I go the court."

Or on what Redick is asking of him.

"JJ has really emphasized that defensive end and being a pest on defense, so that's just what I've been trying to focus on when I'm stepping on the floor."

And on for the full 94 feet of the court and "blowing up" screens.

"JJ has told me to be as disruptive as possible, forcing me to disrupt the ball and pick up 94 feet, disrupt the ball screen and stuff like that," he said. “So yeah, I'm just trying to focus on what I can do my best and my role is best, and yeah, it's been pretty good."

Pretty good. Not great. Lots of work to do.

The celebrations for Bronny James can wait.

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