The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of 2024 in a thrilling summer league game, edging out the Atlanta Hawks with a nail-biting 87-86 win. Rookie guard Bronny James emerged as a pivotal figure, showcasing glimpses of his potential in what was a decisive performance.
The 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Bronny James, started the game on a high note, making a statement with a smooth 17-foot pull-up jumper. This set the tone for what would be a memorable night for the young guard. James had a challenging start to the summer league, averaging just 4.3 points and failing to connect on any of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four games. However, he turned the tide against the Hawks, finishing the game with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half.
"Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," James said about his performance. His perseverance paid off as he made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. A crucial three-pointer by Bronny late in the game tied the score, underlining his clutch potential.
Team Effort Seals the Victory
The Lakers' victory was a collective effort. Center Colin Castleton had an outstanding game, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making two steals. His performance was instrumental in breaking the Lakers' five-game losing streak. Speaking about James, Castleton remarked, "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 game's climax saw the Lakers securing the win with a critical defensive stop in the closing seconds, ensuring that the Hawks could not snatch victory from their hands.
Notable Absences and Future Prospects
Notably, the Hawks' No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, did not play in the game. Similarly, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, was also absent. Despite these absences, the game's intensity did not wane, providing fans with an exciting contest.
The Lakers have two more games scheduled in Las Vegas, facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. These upcoming matches will be crucial for the team as they look to build on this victory and evaluate their roster ahead of the regular season.
Support and Encouragement
Reflecting on his journey so far, Bronny James expressed gratitude for the support from his family. "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.
The young guard's growth and potential have not gone unnoticed by his peers and mentors. Jaylen Brown, captured in a social media post critiquing James during a previous loss to the Boston Celtics, later commented, "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."
Agent Rich Paul defended Brown's critique, pointing out the necessity of constructive feedback from experienced voices. "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' coach Dane Johnson reiterated the importance of confidence and persistence for James. "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 emphasized.
As the Lakers continue their summer league campaign, the bond between Bronny James and his father, NBA legend LeBron James, remains a unique narrative thread. "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 remarked.
This victory not only marks a positive turn for the Lakers but also highlights the promising future of Bronny James as he navigates the pressures of professional basketball and the legacy that comes with his family name.