The Los Angeles Lakers’ four-game win streak snapped on Tuesday night to the Phialdpehia 76ers.
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The 76ers routed the Lakers from the second quarter on, and they did not look back. Philadelphia came out on top of that contest, 118-104.
L.A. started the game off well, but things started to spiral in the second quarter. However, before that, we got surprise first-quarter minutes from Lakers rookie guard Bronny James.
James entered the game in the back half of the first quarter and played 15 minutes in the blowout loss.
Nonetheless, those first quarter minutes were the first non-garbage minutes of his NBA career outside of opening night.
While James got extensive runs, he did not have the best of games.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
In 15 minutes of action, James went 0-for-5 from the field and 0-for-3 from three, recording zero points, but collected three rebounds, one assist, and one block.
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick second-guessed his decision to interest the rookie into the rotation.
“Maybe put him in a tough spot,” Redick said. “Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G [League].”
James was on assignment with the South Bay Lakers, L.A.’s G League affiliate, when the Lakers recalled him Monday to join them in the middle of their six-game road trip.
With Gabe Vincent out for the past two games, Redick gave James a shot, and while he didn’t take advantage of it, he still believes in James.
“Just felt like on a back-to-back, just him giving us energy, I think, was the goal,” Redick said. “I have confidence in him, but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level.”
After the game, James said he believes that he is growing from opening night to now.
“I feel like I’m a whole lot more prepared now,” he said. “Again, just coming out and staying ready after the G League stint and the season being down the road a little bit more, just staying ready. And coming in, playing smart.”
Lakers superstar and Bronny’s father, LeBron James, said he will get more opportunities in the future.
“Obviously, it’s his first extensive minutes with us,” LeBron said. “We had that first game where it was just a moment — and that was a great moment. But tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, be with the big club, and he’s going to continue to use that and get better and better.”
Bronny’s next opportunity to play will be on Thursday against the Washington Wizards.
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