The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of the 2024 summer league with a thrilling 87-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The narrow victory not only ended a five-game losing streak for the Lakers but also showcased a stirring performance from rookie guard Bronny James.
Bronny James Delivers Under Pressure
Selected as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Bronny James faced considerable scrutiny and pressure coming into this game. Despite a challenging start to his summer league career, where he averaged 4.3 points and failed to connect on any of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four games, Bronny displayed resilience and determination.
James kicked off the game with a 17-foot pull-up jumper, a sign of the confidence that would define his performance through the night. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," Bronny remarked.
His aggressive approach paid off. Bronny ended the game with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half, and successfully made 5 of his 11 field goal attempts, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. The highlight of his night was a critical three-pointer late in the game that tied the score, demonstrating his potential to perform in clutch moments.
A Team Effort
While Bronny's performance caught the spotlight, he was not alone in leading the Lakers to victory. Center Colin Castleton had a stellar game, recording 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Castleton's multifaceted contribution was instrumental in both offense and defense.
Reflecting on Bronny's night, Castleton praised him: "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."
Critical Moments and Final Push
The game itself was a nail-biter, characterized by multiple lead changes and tactical plays. Both teams had their key players missing, with Lakers' first-round draft pick Dalton Knecht and Hawks' No. 1 overall pick Zacharie Risacher sitting out. Yet, the young talents on the floor ensured the game remained competitive till the final buzzer.
The Lakers' victory was secured with a crucial defensive stop in the closing seconds. The final moments saw the team pulling together, a testament to their improved coordination and defensive strategies.
Family Support and Mentorship
Bronny James attributed a significant part of his performance to the unwavering 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]," he shared.
Notably, a social media post had earlier captured NBA star Jaylen Brown appearing to offer critique following the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. However, Brown was supportive, expressing admiration for the young guard's potential and growth. "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.
Encouraging Words from the Bench
Assistant coach Dane Johnson also emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence, even in the face of missed opportunities. "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," Johnson remarked, underlining the team's belief in Bronny's capabilities.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Lakers can breathe a sigh of relief and build on the momentum as they face upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls in Las Vegas. For Bronny James, the focus remains on continuous improvement and leveraging the support system around him.
"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 commented, looking ahead to the future with hope and determination.