The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 in a nail-biting summer league showdown against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with a final score of 87-86. This win ended a challenging five-game losing streak for the Lakers, providing a much-needed morale boost.
This game marked a significant moment for rookie guard Bronny James, who was instrumental in securing the victory. Selected as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, James showcased his potential and resilience on the court. From the outset, he set the tone by sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper. Despite a tough start to the summer league, where he averaged 4.3 points and struggled from beyond the arc, missing all 15 attempts in the first four games, James turned things around in this critical matchup.
Bronny James Finds His Rhythm
James finished the game with 12 points, scoring nine of them in the first half. He made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from three-point range, and delivered a crucial three-pointer late in the game to tie the score. Reflecting on his performance, James credited his family 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 shared.
James's perseverance was a key factor in the Lakers' victory. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," he remarked, highlighting his determined mindset.
Support from Teammates and the Organization
Center Colin Castleton, who had a standout performance with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, praised James's efforts and potential. "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.
Jaylen Brown, a veteran NBA player, also acknowledged James's position and future in the league. "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.
Coach’s Confidence in Bronny
Coach Dane Johnson expressed confidence in James's shooting abilities, despite his earlier struggles. "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 explained.
Rich Paul, a prominent figure in the sports world, defended James from criticism, particularly noting observations made by Brown during a previous Lakers game against the Boston Celtics. "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.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers' victory over the Hawks has set a positive tone as they prepare for their upcoming games in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. With Dalton Knecht, their first-round draft pick, not playing in this game, the team will be eager to have their full roster available for the next challenges.
As for Bronny James, his journey in the NBA is just beginning, and he looks forward to continuing to grow and develop his game. "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 with optimism for the future.
With family, teammates, and the organization rallying behind him, Bronny James's promising career appears to be on a solid foundation, ready to build momentum in the coming games and seasons.