Lakers Secure First Win of 2024 Summer League, Major Contributions from Bronny James
The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of the 2024 summer league season with a nail-biting 87-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Rookie guard Bronny James played an instrumental role in snapping the Lakers' five-game losing streak.
James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, began the match on a high note, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper to get the Lakers on the scoreboard. Despite earlier struggles throughout the summer league, where he averaged 4.3 points and missed all 15 of his three-point attempts in the first four games, Bronny showed remarkable resilience and growth.
"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]," James said post-game, reflecting on his improved performance. His determination was apparent as he finished the game with 12 points, nine of which he scored in a stellar first half. James made 5-of-11 field goal attempts and hit 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game that tied the score.
Bronny's teammates and coaches have taken note of his steady improvement and persistent confidence. Lakers center Colin Castleton, who contributed significantly with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, commended James's effort. "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. Everybody in the organization loves being around him and he took great shots tonight and just got a good rhythm," Castleton said.
The game was not without its challenges. Both teams battled fiercely until the final seconds, with the Lakers securing their win through a critical defensive stop. Notably absent from the Hawks' lineup was Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick, while the Lakers' first-round draft choice, Dalton Knecht, also did not take part in the game. Nonetheless, the Lakers' depth and resolve shone through.
James’s journey has been closely observed, with social media abuzz following a post capturing Jaylen Brown appearing to critique him during a loss to the Boston Celtics. Brown, however, expressed his admiration for Bronny: "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." This backing from a seasoned NBA veteran underscores the high expectations and support surrounding Bronny James as he carves his path in professional basketball.
Rich Paul, a notable figure in the sports management world, weighed in on the buzz around Brown’s comments. "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." Paul’s perspective adds nuance, reminding us that public scrutiny is part and parcel of a career in the NBA.
Dane Johnson, another guiding voice in the Lakers camp, provided clear instructions that have helped Bronny regain his shooting confidence. "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. Open catch-and-shoot threes are what we're looking for. Even if you're not making them, believe in yourself, have confidence in yourself," Johnson stated, underpinning an ethos of trust and belief within the team.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to continue their summer league campaign with two more games in Las Vegas, facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bronny James to see how he continues to develop and contribute to his team's success.
Reflecting on the opportunity to play alongside his father, Bronny said, "I feel like playing together [and] going to work together every day is just going to build on the relationship we already have. Build that connection, maybe even stronger. But I'm excited to get to work with my dad." His words embody the familial and professional connections that drive him, perhaps the most potent narrative of his nascent career.