In a thrilling summer league game, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 by edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The game, played in Las Vegas, saw standout performances and pivotal moments, particularly from rookie guard Bronny James.
Bronny James Steps Up
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, was instrumental in the Lakers' victory. Despite struggling in his initial summer league outings, where he averaged 4.3 points and failed to make any of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four games, James found his rhythm. He started the game strong with a 17-foot pull-up jumper, setting the tone for his performance.
Finishing the game with 12 points, James showcased his potential, scoring nine of those points in the first half. He made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. A crucial three-pointer late in the game by James tied the score, demonstrating his ability to deliver in critical moments.
Reflecting on his performance, Bronny James credited his family for their 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. Despite his early shooting struggles, James remained determined, stating, "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort Seals the Win
The Lakers' victory was not just about individual brilliance but a collective effort. Center Colin Castleton delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, anchoring both the offense and defense. His leadership on the floor was crucial for the team's success.
Castleton praised James' resilience and growing confidence. "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," Castleton remarked.
Missed Opportunities for the Hawks
On the other side, the Atlanta Hawks missed the presence of their No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, who did not play in the game. The absence was felt, especially in the tight closing moments. Despite the setback, the Hawks fought valiantly but couldn't overcome the Lakers' late-game defense.
The Lakers secured their win with a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds, breaking their five-game losing streak. The victory marks a turning point for the team as they look forward to building on this success.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas, where they will face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. These games will be opportunities for young players like Bronny James to continue to develop and make their case for a spot in the regular season roster.
James spoke about the unique experience of playing alongside his father, LeBron James, in the NBA. "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 shared.
The presence of seasoned veterans like Jaylen Brown, who was recently captured on social media appearing to critique James during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics, adds another layer of mentorship and motivation for the young guard. Brown expressed his admiration, emphasizing, "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, Bronny's agent, defended Brown's critique, highlighting the importance of constructive feedback from experienced players. "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," Paul stated.
Lakers assistant coach Dane Johnson encouraged James to continue taking shots, confident in his abilities. "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 explained.
As the summer league progresses, all eyes will be on Bronny James and the Lakers as they strive to build momentum and integrate their new talent into the fold.