The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of the 2024 summer league, narrowly overcoming the Atlanta Hawks with an 87-86 win. This victory was a much-needed morale booster for the Lakers, who ended a five-game losing streak with this triumph.
Rookie guard Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, played a pivotal role in the Lakers' win. Despite a challenging start to his summer league campaign, averaging just 4.3 points and missing all 15 of his three-point attempts in the first four games, James demonstrated resilience and growth in this match.
James immediately made his presence felt, opening the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. Over the course of the match, he tallied 12 points, scoring nine of those in the first half. His shooting displayed an improved touch, going 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. Perhaps most crucially, James sank a late three-pointer to tie the game, showcasing his potential under pressure.
"Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive,” James reflected on his mindset. He attributed his perseverance to support from his family. “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].”
A Team Effort
While James had a standout performance, the victory was a collaborative effort. Lakers center Colin Castleton was a force on both ends of the court, posting an impressive stat line with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Castleton praised James' development, saying, "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."
Despite being the No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher of the Hawks did not play, a factor that undeniably impacted the competitiveness of the game. Additionally, the Lakers’ first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, was also absent from the lineup.
Critical Moments
The game remained tightly contested until the final moments. The Lakers secured their narrow victory through a crucial defensive stop in the closing seconds, highlighting the team's ability to perform under pressure.
Dane Johnson, reflecting on James' performance, emphasized the importance of confidence in 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."
Building Chemistry
The summer league serves not just as a platform for individual performances but as an opportunity for players to build chemistry. James spoke to the significance of this dynamic, particularly in context with his father's legacy. "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.
Looking Forward
The Lakers have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas, set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. These matches will provide further opportunities for James and his teammates to develop their synergy and showcase their talents.
The victory over the Hawks has indeed instilled a renewed sense of hope and excitement in the Lakers' camp. It also allowed Bronny James to demonstrate his potential and resilience, perhaps paving the way for greater things in his budding career. As Jaylen Brown observed, "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, offering his take on the attention and scrutiny James has been receiving, 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."
This latest game is more than just a victory; it is a statement of growth, resilience, and the beginning of what could be a promising career for Bronny James under the spotlight of the NBA. The Lakers’ faithful will be watching closely, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for their new talent and the team as a whole.