The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of the 2024 summer league in dramatic fashion, narrowly defeating the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The game featured standout performances, including a noteworthy performance from rookie guard Bronny James, who played a pivotal role in the Lakers' triumph.
Bronny James: A Key Contributor
Bronny James, who was the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, showcased his potential on the court. James initiated the scoring for the Lakers with a 17-foot pull-up jumper, setting the tone for what would be a significant game for him. Although he had averaged just 4.3 points per game and had failed to connect on any of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four summer league games, James demonstrated considerable improvement and resilience in this matchup.
Finishing with 12 points, James made 5-of-11 field goal attempts and was 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His performance included a crucial three-pointer late in the game, underscoring his rapid development and ability to perform under pressure. Reflecting on his performance, James credited his family for their unwavering support, saying, "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]."
Words of Wisdom and Encouragement
Lakers center Colin Castleton, who led the team with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, had high praise for the young guard. "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 said, highlighting both James' contribution and his potential.
Bronny James spoke about his approach to the game, emphasizing aggression despite recent struggles. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he remarked, embodying a mindset rooted in persistence and confidence.
Dane Johnson, reflecting on Bronny’s performance, also offered encouraging words. "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."
Family Matters
The James family's close-knit bond was on display as Bronny discussed the impact of playing 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. Build that connection, maybe even stronger. But I'm excited to get to work with my dad," he expressed, hinting at the unique dynamic and inspiration derived from their relationship.
NBA star Jaylen Brown also lauded the significance of family in Bronny'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 commented, underscoring the importance of a supportive environment for the young player's development.
Defensive Stand and Future Prospects
The Lakers' victory was cemented by a critical defensive stop in the closing seconds of the game, ending a five-game losing streak and providing a much-needed morale boost. Missing from the game were key players Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, and the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, potentially making future matchups even more intriguing.
The Lakers are slated to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls in their next games in Las Vegas, presenting further opportunities for Bronny and his teammates to demonstrate their growth and capabilities on the court.
As the summer league progresses, all eyes will continue to be on Bronny James, whose performance and resilience are setting the stage for a promising career, driven by talent, family support, and a drive to excel.