Bronny James Shines as Lakers Secure Narrow Summer League Victory
In a thrilling contest that came down to the final seconds, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of the 2024 summer league by edging out the Atlanta Hawks, 87-86. The win not only ended a five-game losing streak but also showcased the burgeoning talent of rookie guard Bronny James, who played a pivotal role in the closely fought battle.
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been navigating the pressures and spotlight that come with being the son of a basketball legend. Despite a rough start to the summer league, averaging just 4.3 points and missing all of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four games, James displayed resilience and confidence in this game, finishing with 12 points.
The young guard made an immediate impact, beginning the game with a smooth 17-foot pull-up jumper. His early aggression set the tone as he tallied nine of his 12 points in the first half. Overall, James made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including a much-needed 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. A critical three-pointer late in the game tied the score, demonstrating his growing poise under pressure.
"Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," Bronny James reflected on his performance. His resolve was evident in both his offensive contribution and his gritty defense, crucial in the game's closing moments.
The Lakers' Colin Castleton also contributed significantly, stuffing the stat sheet with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His performance was instrumental in both stabilizing the team's offense and anchoring their defense.
"I think he's stepping into a good role. It takes a little bit of time. He has a lot of pressure, a lot of things on him. So he has a great mindset. He's a great kid, great teammate, and we love being around him," Castleton said of his young teammate. "Everybody in the organization loves being around him and he took great shots tonight and just got a good rhythm."
James' morale received a significant boost from familial support. "My mom, my dad really help me, encouraging me to stay focused and keep being myself. So I feel like that's a big part of how I came out [tonight]," he noted, underscoring the importance of a grounded support system as he navigates the early stages of his professional career.
Adding another layer to the game's backstory, top draft picks from both teams were conspicuously absent. Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, did not participate in the game.
Social media buzzed during the Lakers' previous loss to the Boston Celtics when a post captured Jaylen Brown critiquing Bronny James. Brown later clarified his stance, expressing admiration for the young player. "It's a flex to have your son alongside you in the NBA. It reflects greatness and longevity! Bronny has all the tools around him to be successful. I look forward to watching his growth," Brown said.
James’ personal advisor and agent, Rich Paul, added perspective on the critique, reminding fans to value informed opinions. "You can't take everybody's opinion and try to turn it against him or think that he's a bad person. At least [Brown] is someone who is actually in the league. There's a lot of 'experts' with no expertise; he's actually an expert with expertise. So, if he has that opinion, he can have that opinion. I know Jaylen. I know he doesn't mean that with any malice. He was just having a conversation."
Lakers’ Summer League head coach Dane Johnson remained encouraging of Bronny's efforts. "He had those same shots previously, and he just missed them. So, we're going to encourage him to keep taking those. If he's open and we have an open catch-and-shoot [shot], we want him to shoot those, along with everybody else."
The Lakers will look to build on this hard-fought victory as they face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls in their upcoming Las Vegas games. For Bronny James, the journey continues, bolstered by a solid performance, invaluable family support, and growing confidence.
"I feel like playing together [and] going to work together every day is just going to build on the relationship we already have," James expressed, eager for what lies ahead. "Build that connection, maybe even stronger. But I'm excited to get to work with my dad."