Los Angeles Lakers’ Bronny James looks on during an NBA summer league basketball game against the Miami Heat in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
In a thrilling summer league game, Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Bronny James showed his potential, scoring 12 points in an 87-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas and this performance marked a significant improvement for James, who had struggled in his first four summer league games, averaging only 4.3 points with a 22.6% field goal percentage and missing all 15 of his 3-point attempts.
Early Impact
From the very start, James made an impact. On the first play of the game, he curled off a screen and nailed a 17-foot pull-up jumper, eliciting cheers from the Lakers-friendly crowd. This shot was not only a confidence booster for James but also a sign of things to come.
Improved Performance
James scored nine of his 12 points in the first half, finishing the game with a 5-of-11 shooting record, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. Furthermore, his crucial 3-pointer late in the game tied the score, and the Lakers clinched their first summer league win of 2024 with a defensive stop in the final seconds. This win snapped an 0-5 start for the Lakers in the summer league.
Focus and Support
However, reflecting on his performance, James emphasized his focus on playing his game: “I feel like I know the right way to play,” he said. “So if I go out there and play my game every game, results like that will come.”
The young guard also credited his parents, LeBron and Savannah James, for their support. “My mom, my dad really help me, encouraging me to stay focused and keep being myself,” James said. “So I feel like that’s a big part of how I came out tonight.”
Praise from Teammates
Moreover, James’ standout performance drew praise from his teammates, including Lakers center Colin Castleton, who led the team with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Additionally, Castleton highlighted James’ determination and mindset. “I think he’s stepping into a good role,” Castleton said. “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.”
Milestone Win
This game was a significant milestone for the 19-year-old James, serving as his first NBA win of any kind. Despite the intense scrutiny and pressure he faces as the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny James is steadily carving out his own path in the league.
Response to Criticism
James’ performance came after a loss to the Boston Celtics, where Celtics star Jaylen Brown was captured in a viral video seemingly doubting James’ potential. However, Brown later clarified his comments, expressing his support for James and his potential for success. Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports and the agent for both LeBron and Bronny James, also defended the young guard, emphasizing the importance of focusing on his growth and not being swayed by every opinion.
Future Prospects
With this win in the summer league, Lakers Bronny James has shown that he has the skills and determination to make his mark in the NBA. Moreover, as he continues to develop and gain confidence, Lakers fans can look forward to more exciting moments from the promising young guard.
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