The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 in a thrilling summer league game, edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. This win was significant for an emerging player who has been under the spotlight—rookie guard Bronny James.
James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, displayed a poise and resilience that belied his lack of professional experience. He began the game with confidence, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper and setting the tone for an impressive performance. Finishing with 12 points, James truly made his mark, scoring nine of those points in the first half. His efficiency from the field was notable, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts and hitting 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, a stark improvement from his struggle in the first four games where he averaged 4.3 points and missed all 15 of his three-point attempts.
The game’s turning point came late, with James drilling a crucial three-pointer to tie the score, showcasing his clutch ability and mental fortitude under pressure. On his elegant performance, he stated, "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]." His determination was evident as he added, “Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive.”
As James continues to navigate the complexities of professional basketball, his teammates and coaching staff have provided a nurturing environment. Lakers center Colin Castleton praised James’s progress, observing, "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 himself had a standout performance, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making two steals.
The Lakers' victory also ended a five-game losing streak, providing a much-needed morale boost for the team. Although their first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, and the Hawks’ No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, did not play, the game was far from short on excitement. The Lakers clinched the win with a critical defensive stop in the closing seconds, underscoring their collective resolve.
Despite the challenges James has faced, including a recent social media post capturing Jaylen Brown appearing to critique him during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics, support from influential figures has been abundant. Brown himself expressed optimism about James's future, remarking, "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, a prominent voice in the basketball community, was quick to defend James in light of Brown's comments. "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."
Lakers' assistant coach Dane Johnson offered further encouragement, emphasizing the importance of confidence and resilience. "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."
The Lakers will now turn their attention to their upcoming matchups in Las Vegas, where they are scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. For Bronny James, the journey continues, with the support of a dedicated team, the guidance of his family, and a focus on steady improvement. Reflecting on his unique situation, James shared, "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."
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bronny James as he strives to carve out his own legacy in the NBA, balancing the weight of expectations with an unwavering resolve to excel. The Lakers' faithful, along with the broader basketball community, will undoubtedly be watching his every step.