The Los Angeles Lakers have finally snapped their five-game losing streak with a thrilling 87-86 summer league victory over the Atlanta Hawks, marking their first win of 2024. The team was lifted by an impressive performance from rookie guard Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Bronny James Shines Brightly
Bronny James played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ narrow victory, starting off the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. After struggling in his first four summer league games—where he averaged 4.3 points and missed all 15 of his three-point attempts—James finished with a total of 12 points. Nine of these points came in a strong first half, where the rookie seemed to find his rhythm.
James shot 5-of-11 from the field, including a respectable 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also made a crucial three-pointer late in the game to tie the score, showcasing a clutch performance that the Lakers desperately needed. Reflecting on his performance, James said, "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 added, "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Colin Castleton's All-Around Game
While James garnered much of the spotlight, Lakers center Colin Castleton had an equally significant impact on the game. Castleton scored 17 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out six assists, and recorded two steals. His all-around performance provided the Lakers with the stability they needed on both ends of the floor. "I think he's stepping into a good role," Castleton shared about James. "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."
Key Absences and Defensive Clutch
The game saw some notable absences, including the Hawks' No. 1 overall pick Zacharie Risacher, who did not play. Similarly, Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' first-round draft pick, also did not take to the court. Despite these absences, the Lakers managed to pull off a win, thanks to a critical defensive stop in the closing seconds of the game.
Lakers interim coach Dane Johnson emphasized the importance of confidence: "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's Road Ahead
Despite recent critiques and immense pressure, James remains optimistic and driven. The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny is keen on building his own 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," James expressed.
The Lakers' campaign in the Las Vegas Summer League continues as they are scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls in their upcoming games. This victory provides not just a morale boost but also a promising glimpse into the future with young talents like Bronny James and Colin Castleton stepping up to the plate.
NBA star Jaylen Brown also shared his thoughts on James’ journey, stating, "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."
With familial support and organizational backing, Bronny James looks set to continue making strides in the professional realm, aspiring not just to meet but exceed the lofty expectations placed upon him.