The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated their first victory of 2024 in the summer league with a thrilling 87-86 win against the Atlanta Hawks. This win marks the end of a frustrating five-game losing streak and showcases the promising performance of rookie guard Bronny James, who played a pivotal role in the nail-biting finish at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Bronny James Proves His Worth
Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, made an immediate impact by sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper to start the game. His performance throughout the night was a testament to his growth and resilience as he finished with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half. James showcased an improved shooting ability, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also delivered a crucial three-pointer late in the game that tied the score, setting the stage for the Lakers' final defensive stand.
Reflecting on 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]," he said. Despite struggling with his shot in earlier games, averaging 4.3 points and missing all 15 three-point attempts in the first four summer league games, James stayed aggressive. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he added.
Leadership and Support from Teammates
Lakers center Colin Castleton, who had an outstanding game with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, praised James' mindset and tenacity. "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 remarked.
Encouragement from All Quarters
Jaylen Brown, a seasoned player, also weighed in on 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," Brown commented, appreciating the younger James' presence in the league.
The support for Bronny extends beyond the court. Rich Paul, a respected figure in the basketball community, defended Brown's remarks about James, 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 stated.
A Crucial Defensive Stand
The Lakers' victory was sealed with a critical defensive stop in the closing seconds of the game. Notably, the Lakers managed this win without their first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, who did not play, just as the Hawks were without their No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher. The game emphasized the team's depth and collective effort in the absence of key players.
The Road Ahead
With two more scheduled games in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers will look to build on their newfound momentum. Dane Johnson, speaking about Bronny's role, emphasized the importance of confidence and team cohesion. "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 advised.
Bronny himself looks forward to the continued development, not just individually but also 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 said, capturing the sentiment of growth and unity.
As the Lakers gear up for their next challenges, the resilience and potential displayed in this game offer a hopeful glimpse into a promising future."