The Los Angeles Lakers have secured their first victory of 2024 in the summer league, narrowly edging out the Atlanta Hawks with an 87-86 win. This victory marks the end of the Lakers' five-game losing streak and provides a much-needed morale boost for the team as they prepare for their upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls in Las Vegas. The spotlight, however, was firmly on rookie guard Bronny James.
Bronny's Breakthrough Performance
Bronny James, the Lakers' 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, was instrumental in this close-fought victory. Making his presence felt right from the start, he sank a 17-foot pull-up jumper to kick off the game. Despite a rocky start to his summer league career, where he averaged 4.3 points and missed all 15 of his three-point attempts in the first four games, Bronny displayed resilience and determination in this matchup.
Bronny finished the game with 12 points, nine of which were scored in the first half. His shooting performance was notably improved, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. A crucial three-pointer late in the game helped tie the score, contributing significantly to the Lakers' eventual win. His perseverance was evident in his post-game reflection: "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
The rookie's contribution did not go unnoticed by his teammates. Lakers center Colin Castleton, who himself put up impressive numbers with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, praised Bronny's growth. "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 shared.
Defensive Stand Seals the Win
The Lakers' victory was not solely due to offensive efforts. A critical defensive stop in the closing seconds ensured the win, capping off a game that required grit and teamwork. While Bronny and Castleton were pivotal, contributions across the board showcased the depth of the Lakers' roster, even with notable absences. The Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, and the Hawks' No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, did not participate in this game.
Bronny's journey and progression in the summer league have been closely monitored, and public opinion is vibrant. A social media post recently captured Jaylen Brown appearing to critique Bronny during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. The veteran NBA star, however, had words of support for the young player, stating, "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, emphasizing that opinions, especially from seasoned professionals like Brown, should be taken in stride and seen as part of the growth process.
A Supportive Environment
The supportive and nurturing environment around Bronny is evident. "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]," Bronny mentioned post-game, highlighting the role his family plays in his burgeoning career. The rookie's aspiration to build a stronger connection through daily work with his father, LeBron James, further outlines the personal and professional support system set in place for him.
Dane Johnson, a key figure in the Lakers' coaching staff, expressed confidence in Bronny's shot selection and encouraged him to continue taking open shots. "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."
The Lakers' next steps in the summer league will be crucial in assessing the team's development and the individual progress of key players like Bronny James. With the immediate pressure of breaking a losing streak now behind them, the focus will likely shift to consistency and further integration of their rookies into the team's dynamic.