The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of the 2024 season in a thrilling summer league matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, edging out an 87-86 win. This victory not only broke their five-game losing streak but also highlighted the potential of rookie guard Bronny James, who played a pivotal role in the Lakers' performance.
Bronny James Shines
Bronny James entered the NBA with significant expectations, being the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Despite early struggles, averaging 4.3 points over the first four games and failing to make any of his 15 three-point attempts, James found his rhythm in this critical match. He kick-started his performance with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper and continued to build on that foundation throughout the game.
James finished the night with 12 points, nine of which he scored in the first half. He made 5-of-11 field goal attempts and showed improvement from beyond the arc, sinking 2-of-5 three-pointers. His crucial three-pointer late in the game tied the score, setting the stage for the Lakers' defensive stand that ultimately clinched the win.
Reflecting on his breakthrough performance, James 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. He also emphasized the importance of remaining aggressive despite previous shooting woes: "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort and Key Contributions
While Bronny James' performance was a highlight, the Lakers' win was a collective effort. Center Colin Castleton was instrumental, contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His leadership on both ends of the court set the tone for the team's overall play.
Castleton spoke highly of James' potential, acknowledging the pressure the rookie faces. "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."
Another notable absence was Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, who did not play in the game. The Lakers were also without their first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht.
External Perspectives
The game also attracted commentary from established NBA players and figures. Jaylen Brown, captured critiquing Bronny during a previous Lakers loss to the Celtics, had a more supportive tone post-victory. "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 remarked.
Rich Paul, renowned NBA agent, defended Brown's earlier critique, emphasizing the authenticity of opinions from those within the league. "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."
Looking Ahead
The Lakers still have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. This victory sets a positive tone for the remaining summer league contests and offers a glimpse into the potential growth of their new roster.
Assistant coach Dane Johnson expressed confidence in James' development as a shooter. "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."
Bronny James, reflecting on his journey and future, shared a personal note on working alongside his father, LeBron James. "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.
With this victory and the budding talent in their lineup, the Lakers have set a renewed course for the season, eager to build on this success and continue developing their promising young core.