The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of 2024 in a thrilling summer league game, edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The win ended a five-game losing streak and provided a much-needed morale boost for the Lakers' young squad.
Bronny James Shines
One of the standout players of the night was rookie guard Bronny James, who was instrumental in the Lakers' hard-fought victory. 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. He went on to finish the game with a commendable 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the score late in the game.
"Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," said James, reflecting on his approach to the game. This tenacity was evident as he managed to make 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Bronny's performance was particularly significant given his struggles in the first four summer league games, where he averaged 4.3 points and failed to hit any of his 15 three-point attempts. The turnaround in this game showcased his potential and resilience.
"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]," James remarked, attributing his success to his family's support.
Team Effort and Key Contributions
While Bronny James' performance was a highlight, the victory was a result of a collective team effort. Lakers center Colin Castleton delivered an impressive all-around performance, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, providing six assists, and recording two steals. His contributions on both ends of the floor were crucial in securing the win.
"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, praising James' efforts and potential.
The game saw vital defensive plays, especially in the closing seconds, that helped maintain the Lakers' slim lead. The intensity and determination displayed by the team under pressure were commendable and indicative of their growth over the summer league.
Missing Faces
Notably absent from the game were Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, and the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht. Their absence added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, with fans eagerly anticipating their eventual returns to the court.
Looking Forward
With the summer league serving as a crucial stage for player development and team chemistry, the Lakers are keen to build on this victory. They have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, offering further opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and earn their place on the roster.
James' journey is particularly fascinating given the unique spotlight on him due to his famous father, NBA superstar LeBron James. The additional attention brings its own set of challenges and expectations.
"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," said Jaylen Brown, reflecting on the rare opportunity of watching father and son in the NBA together.
Rich Paul, commenting on Bronny's situation, added, "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."
Encouragement and Confidence
Despite early struggles, the Lakers' coaching staff continues to show faith in Bronny's ability to find his rhythm and make significant contributions.
"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," said Dane Johnson, echoing the team's supportive stance.
As the Lakers continue their summer league campaign, the focus remains on growth, resilience, and building strong team dynamics. For Bronny James, it's an ongoing journey of finding his place in the NBA, supported by the unwavering encouragement of his family and teammates.
"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 James concluded, reflecting on the unique bond shared with his father.