The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 in a thrilling summer league game, narrowly defeating the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The spotlight was firmly on rookie guard Bronny James, who played a pivotal role in securing the win for the Lakers.
Bronny James Shines
Drafted 55th overall in the 2024 draft, Bronny James showcased his potential right from the start of the game, opening with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. This performance marked a significant turnaround for the rookie, who had struggled in the first four summer league games, averaging 4.3 points and going 0-for-15 from three-point range. However, against the Hawks, James found his stride, finishing with 12 points.
"Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," James said, reflecting on his mindset coming into the game.
James displayed an array of skills, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His crucial three-pointer late in the game tied the score, highlighting his composure under pressure.
Expounding on his improved performance, James credited his family for their unwavering 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 said.
Key Team Contributions
The Lakers' victory was not solely due to Bronny James' efforts. Center Colin Castleton played an instrumental role, contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Castleton praised James' progress, saying, "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."
In the final moments of the game, the Lakers secured their win with a critical defensive stop, breaking a five-game losing streak in the process. This victory seemed to energize the team and their fans, setting a positive tone for the remaining summer league games.
Absences Noted: Risacher and Knecht
On the Hawks’ side, their No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, was notably absent from the game, as was the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht. Their absence added a layer of unpredictability to the game, especially in terms of team dynamics and individual matchups. The impact of these absences could be a focal point for each team as they strategize for future games.
Social Media Buzz
The game garnered additional attention due to a social media post showing Jaylen Brown appearing to critique Bronny James during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. Addressing the critique, Rich Paul commented, "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."
Brown, for his part, took a moment to acknowledge the unique position of having Bronny play alongside his father, LeBron James. "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 stated.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers have two more games scheduled in Las Vegas, taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. With the pressure of breaking their losing streak alleviated, the team will aim to build on their recent success.
Assistant coach Dane Johnson remains optimistic about Bronny's shooting struggles, encouraging him to keep taking 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," explained Johnson.
For Bronny, the experience of playing for the Lakers extends beyond the court. "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," he expressed.
As the Lakers continue their summer league campaign, the development of their young talent, especially Bronny James, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.