In a thrilling summer league game, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of 2024 by edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The win was a significant relief for the Lakers, ending a five-game losing streak and marking a positive turn in their season. Rookie guard Bronny James was a standout performer, playing a crucial role in the narrow victory.
Bronny's Breakthrough
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, delivered a performance that silenced many of his critics. With intense scrutiny on his initial performances, where he averaged only 4.3 points and missed all 15 of his three-point attempts in the first four summer league games, Bronny stepped up when his team needed him the most. He kick-started the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper and went on to finish with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half.
James displayed improved shooting accuracy, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. This culminated in a crucial three-pointer late in the game that tied the score, showcasing his potential as a clutch player. Speaking about his performance, Bronny credited his parents for their unwavering 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]."
Team Effort and Key Contributions
The Lakers' victory was not solely due to Bronny's resurgence. Center Colin Castleton was pivotal, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making two steals. Castleton’s all-around performance fortifies his standing as a key player in the Lakers' summer league roster. His support for Bronny was clear: "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."
The Lakers' bench also played a significant role in the defensive effort that ultimately clinched the game. Their intense pressure forced the Hawks into a critical mistake in the closing seconds, allowing the Lakers to hold on for the win.
Absences and Impact
Notably, the game saw the absence of two high-profile draftees. Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, did not play, which might have impacted the Hawks' ability to close out the game. Similarly, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, was also sidelined, leaving both teams without key new talents.
Keeping Perspective Amidst Criticism
While the victory was a moment of triumph for Bronny, he and the team have not been immune to criticism. A social media post captured Jaylen Brown appearing to critique Bronny during a previous Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. However, Brown later clarified his perspective, emphasizing Bronny's potential: "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 close family friend, also weighed in: "You can't take everybody's opinion and try to turn it against him or think that he's a bad person... 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."
Looking Forward
Despite the hurdles and intense scrutiny, Bronny remains focused on his game and development. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he noted. This mentality was endorsed by Lakers' coach Dane Johnson, who encouraged Bronny to keep taking his shots: "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 have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. These games will provide additional opportunities for Bronny and his teammates to continue refining their skills and building cohesion. As Bronny himself put it, "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."
With the pressure of relentless expectations, Bronny James’ performance against the Hawks is a promising step forward. As he continues to grow and develop, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this young talent evolves in the shadow of his legendary father, LeBron James.