The Los Angeles Lakers were 0-2 against the Phoenix Suns (118-114) in their second preseason on Sunday. The Lakers led most of the game but allowed the Suns to score 33 points in the fourth quarter and were outscored by 11 points in the final 12 minutes.

The result is the least of their worries; it has more to do with player improvement and development. Established players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis will do well. The only problem with them is staying healthy at the start of the regular season and beyond.

All eyes are on the others, even those who may not have had much of an impact this season, like rookie guard Bronny James. Bronny played his second NBA game against the Suns and while it was nice to see him and his dad on the court together, it wasn't an ideal game for him.

James recorded zero points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, shot 0-1 from the field, committed four turnovers and three fouls in 13 minutes and was -16 from the field.

It wasn't an ideal game for James, especially on his birthday. James turned 20 on Sunday and he didn't look like an NBA player in an NBA competition.

Nonetheless, the Lakers are excited about his development, and even Davis likes what he's seen from James, regardless of the numbers.

“He’s tough,” he told reporters. “Obviously he’s defensive-minded. Some great blocks, Game 1. The physicality. He does well on screens in terms of deflections and steals with his hands. But he is still learning. He's still trying to figure it all out, so.” We have to realize that. He’s still a rookie – and this is a different style of basketball in the league. But I like what I see from him on both ends of the floor, especially on defense.

James' best skill in the NBA is his defense. If he can commit to it and shoot the ball at an elite level, he may be able to make a difference for the Lakers sooner rather than later.

At the moment, James is not an NBA-level player, which is why he will be playing most, if not all, of the season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers.

Don't write James off just yet.

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