The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first win of the 2024 summer league by narrowly edging out the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 87-86. This victory not only snapped the Lakers' five-game losing streak but also showcased the potential of rookie guard Bronny James, who played an instrumental role in the game.
Bronny James' Breakout Performance
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, had struggled in the early stages of the summer league, averaging just 4.3 points and missing all 15 of his three-point attempts across the first four games. However, the young guard turned a corner against the Hawks, finishing the game with 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
James set the tone early, starting the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. He continued to make his presence felt, scoring nine of his 12 points in the first half. His crucial three-pointer late in the game tied the score and demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Reflecting on his 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. James also emphasized the importance of staying aggressive despite his earlier shooting woes. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort and Key Contributions
The Lakers' victory was a team effort, with rookie center Colin Castleton standing out. Castleton contributed significantly with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His performance on both ends of the floor was a key factor in the Lakers' win.
Castleton praised James for his resilience and attitude. "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," said Castleton.
Absences and What Lies Ahead
The game saw the absence of some notable players. Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, did not participate. Additionally, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, was also sidelined. Their absence left significant gaps in their respective teams, making the contributions of players like James and Castleton even more crucial.
The Lakers are set to play two more games in Las Vegas, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. These upcoming matches will provide further opportunities for young players like James to develop and showcase their skills.
Support and Development
Beyond the court, James has the benefit of a strong support system, including his father, LeBron James. Jaylen Brown, a prominent NBA player, highlighted the unique position Bronny finds himself in, sharing, "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."
Rich Paul, a notable figure in the sports world, also weighed in on public opinions about Bronny. "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."
Dane Johnson, a Lakers coach, has been encouraging James to keep shooting and maintain confidence in his game. "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 remarked.
Bronny James is embracing the journey and the support from those around him. He expressed excitement about working closely with his father, stating, "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."
As the Lakers look to build on this victory, the spotlight will continue to shine on Bronny James and his development. His performance against the Hawks not only showcased his potential but also underscored the importance of perseverance and support in the early stages of a professional career.