Apparently, the folks gathered in the United Center weren’t there for the home team. They weren’t even there for LeBron James and Luka Doncic. According to the chants towards the end of the game, they were there for the other James. The one who wears #9.

Bronny had traveled with the team to Chicago but had no minutes in the game. And yet he did something Luka Doncic’s 46 points didn’t accomplish.

In the final minute of the game, the Bulls were poised to suffer a blowout loss at home. They were at the free-throw line but the 21,000 Chi-town attendees were chanting, “We want Bronny!” Considering the Lakers were close to winning, maybe JJ Redick could indulge the Bulls fans a bit.

But no! He subbed in Jarred Vanderbilt instead. And it was apparently the most disrespectful thing the Lakers HC could’ve done to Chicago.

Partially because Vando pulled down a rebound in those garbage minutes, something Chicago felt should’ve been Bronny’s. Redick begged to differ. And so did Bronny actually.

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As the boos rained down at Vanderbilt’s return to the game, Bronny James was caught on camera giving a selfless, three-word response: “We want Vando!” Rather than fueling the frustration or appearing dejected by the lack of playing time, Bronny was seen smiling and enthusiastically chanting back to the crowd.

It might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But Redick is often under fire for Bronny running back and forth between the G-League and the big boy squad. When most question why Redick doesn’t put LeBron James’ son in the game, Bronny showed he stands by his coach.

JJ Redick walks a fine line with Bronny James’ development

The “We want Bronny” chants have become a tradition whenever the Lakers play in a different arena. For JJ Redick, the challenge has been balancing these fan expectations with a strict rotational strategy. The LakeShow expectation goes beyond wanting minutes for Bronny. It’s for the Lakers to fix their slump.

Redick’s experiments are apparently working. Luka Doncic showed defensive improvement against the Mavericks and brought back offensive cohesion against the Bulls. Rui Hachimura, who had 23 points against the Bulls, is finally back to playing at an elite level. LeBron James’ 24 points still make him one of the most productive players on the team. Even Jake LaRavia earned praise for being the team’s iron man, proving he’s a consistent role player.

The decision to put in Jarred Vanderbilt may not fit in. Vando’s consistency has been as topsy-turvy as the moments Bronny has had to play. However, Redick has to prioritize team chemistry over fan service. And Vando’s got more experience with Redick’s newest strategies. Even LeBron said a few weeks ago that the team needs Vando as their defensive anchor.

While the Chicago fans may have felt cheated out of a memorable moment to watch LeBron James on the floor with his son, both Redick and Bronny are holding a team-first principle.