Overview
- Redick praised James after the Lakers’ 137-130 win over the Pacers, saying he has gotten significantly better and that the team really needed him.
- James played 13 minutes off the bench and posted 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals as Los Angeles covered for injuries to Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart.
- Redick highlighted better defense, more pop as an athlete and rising confidence in James’ jumper, crediting work with G League coach Zach Guthrie at South Bay.
- Reports cite strong South Bay shooting splits for James at 54.6% from the field, 42.1% from three and 90.9% on free throws, which coaches say has fueled his confidence.
- He remains a late second-round developmental guard with limited NBA minutes, and reports note he had not played since March 12 or scored since March 1 before this outing.