While the Los Angeles Lakers delivered another strong showing during Tuesday’s Game 2 home clash against the Houston Rockets, Bronny James’ effort off the bench left much to be desired.
Amid the sophomore guard’s struggles, the NBA world questioned his role in the first-round Western Conference playoff series.
Bronny James Faces Fierce Criticism for Woes in Rockets-Lakers Game 2
LA entered Round 1 as a significant underdog with star guards Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) sidelined. However, after taking care of business against a Kevin Durant-less Rockets team in Game 1, it entered Tuesday with a chance to take a commanding 2-0 series lead with Durant back in action.
While James’ father, Lakers star forward LeBron James, was once again locked in, Bronny made a muted impact upon checking in to begin the second quarter. The 21-year-old promptly turned the ball over and airballed a floater.
LEBRON TO BRONNY FOR THE DUNK 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hXglsrC9R1
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 22, 2026
LA still managed to outscore Houston by 1 point during Bronny’s scoreless three-minute run. Even so, the NBA community on X was on edge watching the 2024 No. 55 pick.
“Bronny is in the game so of course he turns it over,” DNP Sports reacted.
Bronny is in the game so of course he turns it over. pic.twitter.com/mnl4zA8FkZ
— DNP Sports (@notthefakeDNP) April 22, 2026
“Bronny in again, I’m f**king scared,” one Lakers fan wrote.
“I’ve seen enough Bronny minutes this series ngl. If we need another ball handler, give Nick Smith Jr. a chance,” another opined.
I’ve seen enough bronny minutes this series ngl
if we need another ball handler give nick smith jr a chance
— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) April 22, 2026
“Idk why [JJ] Redick thinks we need these short Bronny stretches where he does absolutely nothing. Why not give those to Smith who can actually dribble?” another LA supporter questioned.
Idk why Redick thinks we need these short Bronny stretches where he does absolutely nothing. Why not give those to Smith who can actually dribble?
— Parks (@24Dparks) April 22, 2026
“Bronny out there gettin them make-a-wish kid minutes…🤦🏾♂️,” one more user quipped.
Bronny out there gettin them make a wish kid minutes…🤦🏾♂️
— A-Ro (@fifththirdAro) April 22, 2026
Ahead of the playoffs, Bronny was hailed by Lakers coach JJ Redick for his defensive prowess and improving offense, especially during his productive stints in the NBA G League.
While Bronny was expected to play a sizable role in Redick’s undermanned backcourt rotation this postseason, it appears the second-year coach is ready to pull the plug whenever the youngster doesn’t have it going.
Redick went in a different direction for the remainder of Tuesday’s pivotal contest, with LeBron leading LA to a hard-fought 101-94 victory behind his game-high 28-point performance. Meanwhile, Lakers veteran guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard combined for 48 points, making Bronny’s return to the court in the second half unnecessary.
As a result, Bronny has yet to score his first playoff points entering Friday’s Game 3 showdown in Houston.
