Lakers Snap Five-Game Losing Skid with Narrow Win Over Hawks
In a thrilling summer league game, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their first win of 2024 by edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The victory was spearheaded by rookie guard Bronny James, who demonstrated his potential in an impressive performance.
James, who was the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, opened the game on a strong note, sinking a 17-foot pull-up jumper. His early confidence set the tone for the Lakers, and he finished the game with 12 points, nine of which were scored in the first half. Demonstrating his shooting capability, James connected on 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
The young guard's performance was not flawless, considering he averaged 4.3 points and failed to make any of his 15 three-point attempts in the four prior summer league games. However, his resilience was a testament to his dedication and his ability to overcome a tough start. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive," James said post-game.
James’ crucial three-pointer late in the game tied the score, giving the Lakers a chance to clinch the victory. His effort on the court was lauded by teammate Colin Castleton, who had an outstanding game himself with 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. "I think he's stepping into a good role. It takes a little bit of time," Castleton said about James. "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 managed to secure the win with a critical defensive stop in the closing seconds, putting an end to a disheartening five-game losing streak. It was a collective effort and a much-needed morale booster for the team. Unfortunately, the Lakers were without their first-round draft pick Dalton Knecht, while the Hawks missed their No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher.
James' family support has been a pillar for him through the highs and lows of his nascent career. "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]," Bronny James shared. His father, the renowned LeBron James, has evidently played a significant role in his development, both on and off the court.
The media has closely followed Bronny's journey, adding external pressure to his already demanding environment. Recently, a social media post captured Jaylen Brown appearing to critique James during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics. However, Brown later offered words of encouragement, underscoring the potential he sees in the young player. "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 remarked.
In response to the criticism, Rich Paul, a prominent figure in James’ career, suggested taking it in stride. "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," Paul stated. He emphasized that the criticism did not stem from malice but rather was part of a broader conversation.
Lakers' assistant coach Dane Johnson also expressed confidence in James' shooting skills. "He had those same shots previously, and he just missed them. So, we're going to encourage him to keep taking those," Johnson said. "If he's open and we have an open catch-and-shoot [shot], we want him to shoot those, along with everybody else."
Looking ahead, the Lakers have two more games scheduled in Las Vegas against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. The team will look to build on this recent win and further develop their young talents, including Bronny James, who shared his excitement about playing alongside his legendary 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," Bronny said.
The next few games will provide more opportunities for the Lakers to fine-tune their roster and for Bronny James to continue proving his worth as a rising star in the NBA, keeping fans and analysts alike eager to see what the future holds for this young talent.