The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first win of the 2024 summer league season in thrilling fashion, narrowly defeating the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The game was marked by a standout performance from rookie guard Bronny James, who proved pivotal in clinching the win for his team.
Bronny Steps Up
Selected as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Bronny James had been the center of attention even before setting foot on the court. Despite a sluggish start to his summer league campaign—averaging 4.3 points per game and struggling from the three-point line—James found his rhythm in this crucial match.
James wasted no time making an impact, starting the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. By halftime, he had already tallied nine points, finishing the game with 12 points. He made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, and delivered a critical three-pointer late in the game to tie the score.
"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," James said after the game, acknowledging the pivotal role of his family in his performance. His father, NBA legend LeBron James, has been a cornerstone of support as Bronny navigates the early stages of his career.
Team Effort Leads to Victory
The Lakers' win was far from a one-man show. Center Colin Castleton delivered a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, also contributing six assists and two steals. Castleton praised his young teammate, 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."
Both teams were missing key players; Zacharie Risacher, the Hawks' No. 1 overall pick, and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, did not play in the game. Nonetheless, the Lakers managed to end a vexing five-game losing streak, showcasing resilience and a balanced team effort. The match concluded with a crucial defensive stop by the Lakers in the closing seconds, sealing the win.
Adjusting to Criticism
Bronny's journey has not been without hurdles. A social media post recently captured Jaylen Brown appearing to critique him during a Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. Rich Paul, a prominent figure in the basketball world, commented on the matter: "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."
Bronny himself seems to understand the importance of staying focused. “Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he remarked, embodying a mindset of perseverance that will undoubtedly aid his development as a professional athlete.
Future Outlook
The Lakers' victory is more than just a summer league win—it's a testament to the young talent and potential within the team. As Dane Johnson noted, “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.”
With two more scheduled games in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers have a chance to build on this win and further integrate their young players into the team's dynamics. For Bronny James, the journey is just beginning, and his performance against the Hawks hints at a promising future.
"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," Bronny shared, reflecting the unique and supportive environment that could be the cornerstone of his budding career.