Bronny James is showing real growth in camp, with JJ Redick praising a calmer, more confident read of the game. A rough 1-for-12 preseason night belies a bigger arc from Summer League and a productive G League run with South Bay, where his defense and pace stood out. LA is weighing whether he’ll push for NBA minutes in year two behind LeBron, while Dalton Knecht presses for a bigger role. The path remains fluid but the trend is progress.

Phoenix Suns opened the preseason with a 103-81 win over the Lakers, flashing Jordan Ott’s pressure defense and a multi-weapon offense that aims to empower every passer. Devin Booker led with 24 points and 7 assists, while Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks spaced the floor and pressed on defense. The bench—Gillespie, Richards, O’Neale, Hayes-Davis—provided depth, and rookie Maluach flashed late with a dunk.

Booker’s playmaking and off-ball creativity set the tone as the Suns teased more action through Durant and Beal when healthy. Extended looks went to Ighodaro, Maluach and Fleming as they prepare for two China exhibitions against the Nets, testing rotations and depth for a longer season.

Bronny James' preseason outing vs. Phoenix finished with 8 points on 1-for-12 shooting and 5 free throws, illustrating an aggressive mindset even as efficiency lags. His role with the Lakers' main roster remains unsettled as the organization weighs development against immediate rotation needs.

His standout G League numbers (21.9 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.1 RPG) hint at upside if minutes rise. With JJ Redick in a second season as coach, early-season decisions will determine if Bronny can shift from developmental prospect to a meaningful fantasy add, making precise rostering decisions time-sensitive.