Lakers' JJ Redick Announces Bronny James' Increased Role Before NBA Playoffs

Bronny James expected to see expanded minutes with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injured

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or playoff action, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors like blue, orange, and gold, conceptually representing the dynamic energy and uncertainty of the Lakers' playoff push.Bronny James' expanded role in the Lakers' playoff run could reshape the team's postseason fortunes.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026 NBA playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, but they will be without injured stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to start the postseason. Head coach JJ Redick announced that Bronny James, the 21-year-old son of LeBron James, will be asked to take on a larger role and be 'ready' to contribute significant minutes in the first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

Why it matters

The Lakers' backcourt injuries create an opportunity for Bronny James to prove himself on the playoff stage, potentially earning more playing time and establishing himself as a key piece of the team's future. His performance could also impact the Lakers' chances of advancing in the playoffs without two of their top offensive threats.

The details

In the final five games of the regular season without Doncic and Reaves, Bronny James averaged 6.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Redick expressed confidence in James' improved shooting and defense, saying the team 'trusts him' to be ready for the increased responsibility.

  • The Lakers finished the regular season 53-29, securing the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
  • Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both suffered injuries in early April and are expected to need 3-4 weeks to recover.
  • Game 1 of the Lakers-Rockets first-round playoff series is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Bronny James

The 21-year-old son of Lakers star LeBron James, who is expected to see an expanded role in the playoffs due to injuries to other Lakers guards.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' starting point guard who suffered an injury in early April and is expected to miss the start of the playoffs.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' starting shooting guard who also suffered an injury in early April and is expected to miss the start of the playoffs.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who announced Bronny James' increased role in the playoffs.

LeBron James

The Lakers' star player who will need to lead the team with Doncic and Reaves out to start the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“We're gonna have to have all hands on deck for the series. ... He's got to be ready ... I think Bronny's improved a lot. I think we trust him. The shooting piece, I'm a believer in ... He's improved a ton defensively, in terms of his body positioning”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

If Doncic and Reaves are able to return by Game 5 as expected, their reintegration into the lineup will be a key storyline to watch as the Lakers try to advance in the playoffs.

The takeaway

Bronny James' increased role in the playoffs represents a significant opportunity for the young player to prove himself and potentially earn more playing time going forward. His performance could also have a major impact on the Lakers' postseason success while they are shorthanded in the backcourt.