The Los Angeles Lakers claimed their first victory of the 2024 summer league by narrowly edging out the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 87-86. The win marked the end of a five-game losing streak for the Lakers, providing a much-needed morale boost for the team.
Bronny James Shines in Crucial Moments
Rookie guard Bronny James was instrumental in securing the Lakers’ victory. Drafted as the 55th overall pick, James showcased his potential by delivering in key moments throughout the game. Starting off strong, Bronny sank a 17-foot pull-up jumper, setting the tone for his performance. Despite averaging just 4.3 points and failing to hit any of his 15 three-point attempts in the first four games, Bronny rebounded with a solid effort, finishing the game with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half.
James's shooting was efficient, making 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. A pivotal moment came when Bronny nailed a three-pointer late in the game to tie the score, showcasing his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Reflecting on his performance, Bronny 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 said. He added, "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort Clinches Victory
While Bronny James delivered significant contributions, the victory was a result of a collective team effort. Center Colin Castleton had an exceptional game, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making two steals. Commenting on Bronny's performance and adaptation to the team, Castleton said, "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."
The Lakers' defensive prowess was also on display, with the team securing a critical stop in the closing seconds to seal the win. Dane Johnson, reflecting on Bronny's shooting, remarked, "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."
Notable Absences
Both teams played without some key figures. The Hawks were without Zacharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick, and the Lakers' first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, also did not participate in the game. Their absence undoubtedly had an impact, but it allowed other players, like Bronny James and Colin Castleton, to step up and take on larger roles.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only breaks the Lakers' losing streak but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming games in Las Vegas. The team is scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, providing further opportunities for Bronny and his teammates to continue building chemistry and showcasing their talents.
The Lakers’ forward momentum extends beyond the court as well. Social media was abuzz when a post captured Jaylen Brown appearing to critique Bronny during a recent loss to the Boston Celtics. However, the veteran’s comments were less about criticism and more about the unique dynamic of having an NBA player and his son in the same 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 expressed.
Rich Paul, commenting on Brown’s opinion, emphasized the importance of understanding the context. "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."
Bronny, looking forward to future opportunities to play and grow, expressed his excitement about teaming up with his father. "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."
As the Lakers prepare for their next challenges, the team and its fans have reasons to be optimistic. With young talents like Bronny James finding their footing and seasoned players like Castleton leading the charge, the Lakers aim to build on this victory and create a successful summer league campaign.