The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 in a thrilling summer league game, edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The spotlight was firmly on rookie guard Bronny James, who proved instrumental in breaking the team’s five-game losing streak.
Bronny James Shines
Bronny, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, started the game with confidence, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper that set the tone for his performance. After averaging just 4.3 points and missing all of his 15 three-point attempts across the first four summer league games, Bronny found his rhythm. He finished the game with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half.
Reflecting on his performance, Bronny credited his family’s support. "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 made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, and delivered a crucial three-pointer late in the game to tie the score.
Team Efforts and Key Moments
Bronny wasn’t the only standout; Lakers center Colin Castleton had a massive game, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making two steals. "I think he's stepping into a good role," Castleton said of Bronny. "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."
The deciding moment came in the final seconds when the Lakers managed a critical defensive stop to seal the victory. Although Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, did not play, the game was fiercely contested till the end.
Perseverance Amid Pressure
Coach Dane Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence, even when shots aren’t falling. "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 stated.
Bronny confirmed his aggressive mindset. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he reiterated.
A Bright Future Ahead
Off the court, social media buzzed when Jaylen Brown appeared to critique Bronny during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. Rich Paul weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the value of Brown’s perspective. "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."
For Jaylen Brown, Bronny’s entry into the NBA reflects more than just talent; it’s a testament to greatness and longevity. "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 expressed.
Reflecting on the journey ahead, Bronny is eager to build on his budding career 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 shared.
The Lakers have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas, where they will face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. As the summer league progresses, all eyes will be on Bronny James and the Lakers, looking to build on their newfound momentum.