Brony James reveals one aspect of his game where he’s “much better” than his rookie season

In his second season with Los Angeles Lakers, Brony James set out to prove himselfdemonstrating the strides he made from freshman to sophomore year. James received extended playing time from coach JJ Redick in the Lakers’ 123-115 win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Broney finished with five points, six assists and one steal in 19 minutes.

For James, the focus on growing into a reliable defender and secondary playmaker is a priority in his second season with the Lakers, Brony said, per Hobey Price of the Spectrum Sports Network.

“I feel like it’s a lot better, especially defensively,” James said. “Hold on, pick up the pace, offensively, in transition and stuff. I felt like I did a great job over the summer, getting in shape and things like that. JJ (Redick) told me to play as hard as I can right now. So I’m going to keep doing that.”

Bronnie James mentioned that he was focused on “going out, giving it my all. Literally going out until I’m tired,” when on the field.

He said he felt his fitness was “much better” than last season. JJ Redick told Brony to play as hard as he can now. pic.twitter.com/tnR5uIKcdg

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 8, 2025

James’ five points and six assists against the Trail Blazers marked season highs in both categories as the Lakers, without All-Stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves, are on a four-game winning streak. Los Angeles beat the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 to improve to 7-2, second best in the Western Conference behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder at 9-1.

James Worthy on the Lakers is guarding Bronie James’ best game

Hall of Fame forward James Worthy gave Lakers Brony James his flowers in what he revealed was the sophomore guard’s best game in Monday’s 123-115 win against the Trail Blazers. The Lakers broadcaster was very impressed with James’ approach in the recent win.

James played solid defense all night against the Blazers, which many suspected would be his calling card to stay at the NBA level. It was the second straight game in which Brony cracked Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.

Worthy turned to James impressive performance after the win, according to Lakers Daily.

“I thought this might have been Brony’s best game of his NBA career,” Worthy said.

After playing 18 minutes in the Lakers’ 130-120 win over the Heat, James averaged 3.5 points, 4.4 assists and 2.0 steals in 18.5 minutes over the two-game stretch.