In a thrilling summer league matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of 2024 by edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. Rookie guard Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, emerged as a key figure in the Lakers' win, demonstrating resilience and growth after a tough start to his professional career.
Bronny James Steps Up
Bronny James set the tone early, starting the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. Throughout the contest, he showcased his developing skills and composure under pressure, finishing with 12 points, a significant improvement from his earlier performances. Notably, nine of those points came in the first half, providing a crucial early boost for the Lakers.
James' overall performance was marked by an efficient shooting display, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. One of his three-pointers came at a critical moment late in the game, tying the score and setting the stage for the Lakers’ dramatic victory.
Finding Rhythm and Confidence
Despite a rocky start to his summer league stint, where he averaged 4.3 points and failed to convert any of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four games, Bronny's persistence paid off. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," James remarked after the game. His perseverance and mental toughness were evident as he overcame initial struggles.
Lakers center Colin Castleton, who had a standout performance with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, praised Bronny's progress. "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," Castleton said.
A Crucial Defensive Stop
The game’s climax saw the Lakers clinch victory with a decisive defensive stand in the closing seconds. This win not only ended the Lakers' five-game losing streak but also injected much-needed confidence into the team.
The absence of key players like Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, and the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, added to the significance of the win. Both teams had to adapt to the unexpected changes, showcasing the depth and adaptability of their rosters.
Family and Focus
Bronny James emphasized the importance of family support in his development and focus. "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 shared. This familial encouragement appears to be a cornerstone of Bronny's ability to navigate the pressures of professional basketball.
Jaylen Brown, who was seen offering critiques of Bronny during a previous game against the Boston Celtics, acknowledged the unique position James finds himself in. "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 stated, extending a supportive yet critical lens on Bronny’s journey.
Support and Encouragement
Rich Paul, renowned sports agent and close family friend, defended Brown’s comments, noting the importance of constructive criticism from experienced professionals. "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 explained.
Lakers coach, Dane Johnson, echoed the sentiment of continued encouragement, particularly regarding Bronny’s shooting. "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 Johnson, underscoring the team's confidence in Bronny’s abilities.
Looking Ahead
Victory against the Hawks is a promising start, but the Lakers still face more challenges ahead in the summer league. With upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the team will need to build on this momentum. As Bronny James continues to develop and find his footing, his performances will likely be a focal point for both fans and critics alike.
Reflecting on his evolving NBA experience, Bronny expressed excitement about playing with his father, LeBron James. "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 shared, offering a glimpse into the unique dynamics of his basketball journey.
The Lakers' recent triumph is more than just a win; it's a testament to resilience, family, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness. As Bronny James carves out his path in the NBA, all eyes will undoubtedly be watching every step of the way.