The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 in what turned out to be a nail-biting summer league game, edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. In a team effort that showcased both veteran aspirations and rookie resilience, it was Bronny James who played a pivotal role in securing the Lakers' win.
Bronny James Steps Up
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, kicked off the game by nailing a 17-foot pull-up jumper. This was just the beginning of what would be a standout performance for the rookie guard. Averaging a modest 4.3 points and struggling from the three-point line in his first four summer league games, James had yet to find his rhythm. Despite these early struggles, he pushed through to deliver when it mattered most.
James concluded the game with 12 points, scoring nine of them in the first half alone. Connecting on 5-of-11 field goal attempts and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, he gave a glimpse of the potential that Lakers fans are eagerly anticipating. Perhaps most notably, James made a crucial three-pointer that tied the game late, reaffirming his capacity to perform under pressure.
A Family Affair
When asked about his performance, James humbly attributed his mindset and resilience to his family. "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]," said Bronny James.
James also acknowledged that his shooting had not been up to par but emphasized the importance of aggression. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he asserted.
Support from Teammates and Critics
The game's narrative also included support from his teammates and even his critics. Colin Castleton, who had an outstanding game with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, spoke highly of James. "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 noted.
Adding to the complexity of Bronny's journey was a recent social media post featuring Jaylen Brown, appearing to critique Bronny during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. Brown's comments, however, seem to be out of respect and support rather than criticism. "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," said Brown.
Rich Paul, Bronny's sports agent, offered a balanced view on 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," stated Paul.
Focus on the Future
The Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, did not participate in the game, nor did the Hawks' No.1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher. However, the absence of these top picks did not affect the intensity of the matchup. The Lakers concluded the game with a vital defensive stop, ending their five-game losing streak and reigniting their competitive spirit for the remaining summer league fixtures in Las Vegas.
Coach Dane Johnson highlighted Bronny's perseverance and value to the team, encouraging him to continue taking his shots. "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," said Johnson.
As Bronny continues to navigate the initial phases of his professional career, the support from his family and teammates appears to be a cornerstone of his development. "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," Bronny reflected.
With upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers will be looking to build on this victory, hoping that Bronny James can continue to evolve and contribute in meaningful ways.