It may not have shown up in the box score in the Los Angeles Lakers ' preseason opener, but coach JJ Redick said he is thrilled with the steps Bronny James took in his development ahead of his second year. The former second-round pick made strides in Summer League action , and carried that momentum into the early days of training camp, even though it did not manifest during the Lakers' 103-81 defeat against the Phoenix Suns .

James struggled from the field in his preseason debut with a 1-for-12 effort. He collected five of his eight points from the free throw line with his only field goal coming on a 3-point conversion.

"He is so much more comfortable and confident as a player," Redick said . "Skill-wise, read-wise, all of those things have improved, but there's a big differe

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