The Los Angeles Lakers etched their first victory of 2024 in the summer league with a thrilling 87-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks. This nail-biting game, decided in the final moments, marked an end to the Lakers' five-game losing streak, bringing a much-needed breath of fresh air to their roster and fans.
Bronny James Shines
The spotlight was on rookie guard Bronny James, who delivered a standout performance. Drafted 55th overall in 2024, Bronny's journey has been closely watched by basketball aficionados, and this game showcased his burgeoning potential. He started the game energetically, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper and setting the pace for his team.
Bronny's contributions were vital throughout the game. Despite averaging 4.3 points and struggling with his three-point attempts in the first four summer league games, this outing was different. He scored 12 points, with nine of those coming in the first half, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His field goal accuracy (5-of-11) and two successful three-pointers from five attempts were crucial. Notably, his late three-pointer tied the score, setting the stage for the Lakers' eventual triumph.
In a post-game interview, Bronny 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.
Team Effort
The Lakers won not only because of Bronny’s contributions but also due to a collective team effort, especially on the defensive end. Center Colin Castleton was instrumental, leading with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His performance was a linchpin in maintaining the Lakers’ momentum throughout the game.
Colin Castleton, speaking highly of Bronny, remarked, "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."
Veteran Insights
The match also drew attention for its off-court moments, especially a social media post capturing Jaylen Brown apparently critiquing Bronny. However, this narrative was put to rest by Rich Paul, who emphasized that Brown's comments were not malicious. "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 commented.
Jaylen Brown himself spoke favorably, "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."
Looking Ahead
The Lakers' coaching staff, led by Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Bronny's development. Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining 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," Johnson explained.
Bronny himself is looking forward to growing alongside his team, mentioning how playing and working together every day would only strengthen their bond. "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 expressed.
With two more scheduled games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers aim to build on their recent success. ©2024 has already started to show glimpses of promising talent and teamwork, and fans are eager to see how this youthful roster will carry forward the legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers.