The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of 2024 in the summer league, edging out the Atlanta Hawks in a nail-biting 87-86 win. The game, held in Las Vegas, saw rookie guard Bronny James emerge as a pivotal figure in the Lakers' success.
Bronny James: Rising to the Occasion
Selected as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Bronny James had experienced a challenging start in the summer league. Averaging just 4.3 points and going 0-for-15 from three-point range in the first four games, the rookie guard faced considerable pressure. Yet, against the Hawks, he showcased his talent and resilience.
James started the game authoritatively, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper. By the end of the match, he had amassed 12 points, with nine scored in the first half. His shooting was notably improved, converting 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. A crucial three-pointer late in the game tied the score, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.
After the game, James shared insights into his mindset and preparation. "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 remarked, acknowledging the support of his family. James also emphasized the importance of aggression in his play: "Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort and Defensive Prowess
While James was a standout, the victory was a collective effort. Lakers' center Colin Castleton delivered an all-around performance with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Castleton praised his young teammate's development, "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."
The Hawks, on the other hand, faced setbacks with their No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, not playing in the game. Similarly, Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, was also absent from the court. Despite these absences, the Lakers clinched the win with a critical defensive stop in the final moments of the game.
Reflections and Future Prospects
The victory came as a much-needed morale booster for the Lakers, who had been on a five-game losing streak. The triumph not only marked their first win of the summer league but also hinted at the potential of their young talents, particularly Bronny James.
Jaylen Brown was captured in a social media post appearing to critique James during the Lakers' previous loss to the Boston Celtics. Yet, Brown later expressed high regard for the young guard: "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 also weighed in on the critique, emphasizing the value of constructive criticism from experienced players like Brown. "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."
Coach's Perspective
Lakers' coach Dane Johnson lauded James' perseverance and encouraged him to maintain 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... Even if you're not making them, believe in yourself, have confidence in yourself."
Building Bonds
For Bronny James, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about basketball. The rookie reflected on the unique opportunity to play professionally alongside his father, LeBron James. "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 continue their summer league campaign with upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, all eyes will remain on Bronny James and his progress. This victory, while just a single game in the broader scope, could be the first step in a promising career for the young guard.