The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first summer league victory of 2024 in dramatic fashion, edging out the Atlanta Hawks with a close 87-86 win. Leading the charge in this closely contested game was none other than rookie guard Bronny James, who showcased his potential in a pivotal performance. As the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, James came into the game with much to prove, and his contributions were instrumental in snapping the Lakers’ five-game losing streak.
Bronny James Steps Up
Bronny James started the game with confidence, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper to give his team an early boost. The rookie, who had been struggling with his shooting in previous games, averaging only 4.3 points and failing to make any of his 15 three-point attempts, finally found his rhythm. James finished the game with 12 points, hitting 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
"Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," said Bronny James when asked about his approach to the game. His newfound aggression and confidence were evident as he scored nine of his 12 points in the first half and made a crucial three-pointer late in the game to tie the score, setting the stage for the Lakers' eventual win.
Team Effort and Critical Moments
While James' performance was headline-worthy, the victory was very much a team effort. Colin Castleton was a dominant force on the court, contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His all-around performance provided the Lakers with the stability and resilience they needed to eke out the win.
"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 said about his teammate, Bronny James.
The game came down to a defensive stand in the closing seconds, solidifying the Lakers' win and ending their losing streak. Simple but effective, their defense held firm against the Hawks' final offensive push.
Absent Key Players
It is worth noting that both the Lakers and the Hawks were missing significant talents. Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, did not see any playing time. Similarly, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, was also absent from the game. This opened up opportunities for other players to step up, and Bronny James did not disappoint.
Family Support and Future Outlook
Support from family has been a cornerstone in Bronny's journey so far. "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]," Bronny remarked. Indeed, having a supportive family, especially with a father like LeBron James, has a significant impact.
One of the more interesting storylines in this summer league has been the attention Bronny has received from established stars like Jaylen Brown. A social media post recently captured Brown appearing to critique Bronny during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. Despite this, Bronny continues to stay focused and resilient.
"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," said Jaylen Brown. Even with critiques, the sense of community and mentorship within the NBA seems to be a positive driving force for Bronny.
As Bronny continues his journey, the upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls will offer further opportunities for him to grow and showcase his talent. With the support of his family and teammates, the future looks promising for this young guard.
"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 concluded, highlighting the unique and heartwarming dynamic he shares with his family both on and off the court.