In a thrilling summer league matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their first 2024 victory by narrowly defeating the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The game featured a standout performance from rookie guard Bronny James, who proved instrumental in the Lakers’ hard-fought win at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Bronny's Crucial Performance
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, made an immediate impact by starting the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. Despite averaging a modest 4.3 points in the first four summer league games and missing all 15 of his three-point attempts, James rebounded with poise and determination. Finishing the game with 12 points, he displayed improved accuracy, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
James’ critical three-pointer late in the game showcased his clutch abilities, tying the score and setting the stage for the Lakers' victory. Reflecting on his performance, James credited his mental resilience and family 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 shared.
Team Effort and Key Players
The Lakers' success was not solely due to James' efforts. Center Colin Castleton played a pivotal role, contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Castleton praised James' development and persistence. "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," Castleton noted. "He took great shots tonight and just got a good rhythm."
Although top draft picks Zacharie Risacher of the Hawks and the Lakers' own first-rounder Dalton Knecht did not play, the game’s intensity remained high. The Lakers' defensive prowess in the final moments secured the victory and snapped a five-game losing streak.
Reactions and Perspectives
Reactions to Bronny James' performance extended beyond the court. Celtics' star Jaylen Brown, who appeared to critique Bronny in a social media post following the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics, offered perspective on the young player’s journey. "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," Brown stated.
Rich Paul, a prominent sports agent, defended Brown’s comments, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism from experienced players. "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," Paul explained.
Lakers' coach Dane Johnson also expressed confidence in James' potential, urging him to maintain his aggressive play. "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," Johnson said.
Looking Ahead
Bronny James is not only forging his path on the court but also building on an already strong familial connection. He spoke warmly about the opportunity to play professionally alongside his father. "I feel like playing together [and] going to work together every day is just going to build on the relationship we already have," he said. "Build that connection, maybe even stronger. But I'm excited to get to work with my dad."
With two more games scheduled in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers hope to build on their newfound momentum. The tight victory over the Hawks not only broke their losing streak but also provided a glimpse into the potential waiting to be fully harnessed within their ranks. Bronny James’ performance is a promising sign for Lakers fans eager to see the young talent flourish under the spotlight, bearing the legacy of his illustrious father.