The Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory of 2024 in a thrilling summer league contest, narrowly edging out the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 87-86. The win marks a significant turning point for the Lakers, who ended a five-game losing streak with this hard-fought triumph.
Bronny James Shines Under Pressure
Rookie guard Bronny James was instrumental in the Lakers' victory. Drafted 55th overall in the 2024 draft, James displayed resilience and poise throughout the game. He opened the contest with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper, setting the tone for what would become a breakout performance.
James, who had struggled in his first four summer league games by averaging just 4.3 points and missing all 15 of his three-point attempts, found his form when it mattered most. He finished the game with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half. James made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including two crucial three-pointers out of five attempts. One of his most significant contributions came late in the game when he nailed a critical three-pointer to tie the score, showcasing his developing ability to perform under pressure.
"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]," James reflected after the game. Despite his earlier shooting woes, he maintained an aggressive approach. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort and Key Contributions
The Lakers' victory was not solely due to James' heroics. Lakers center Colin Castleton delivered a standout performance, contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Castleton's presence on both ends of the court was vital in securing 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 of James, highlighting the rookie's potential and the supportive environment within the team.
The absence of Zacharie Risacher and Dalton Knecht, the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks and the Lakers' first-round draft pick, respectively, was a notable backdrop to the game. Despite these omissions, the Lakers managed to secure a win, emphasizing the depth and resilience of their summer league squad.
Defensive Grit Secures Win
The game culminated in a dramatic finish, with the Lakers' defense proving decisive. A critical defensive stop in the closing seconds ensured that the Lakers held on to their narrow lead, cementing their win over the Hawks.
Head coach Dane Johnson praised James' willingness to take crucial shots, despite facing 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 emphasized.
A Family Affair
The support system around Bronny James has been a significant factor in his development. The rookie guard expressed his gratitude towards his parents, LeBron and Savannah James, 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.
James also acknowledged the unique opportunity of playing alongside his father, LeBron James, in the NBA. "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."
Veteran NBA player Jaylen Brown also voiced his support for Bronny James, recognizing the unique challenges the young player faces. "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."
Rich Paul, renowned NBA agent, defended Jaylen Brown against criticisms regarding his comments about Bronny, stressing the importance of constructive criticism from seasoned professionals. "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 remarked.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Lakers have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas against formidable opponents—the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. With the momentum from their recent victory and the emerging confidence of players like Bronny James, the Lakers are poised to continue building on their summer league experiences.