In the opening play of the game, Bronny James, a rookie guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, made a significant impact by curling off a screen and sinking a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper. This successful shot brought cheers from the Lakers fans at the Thomas & Mack Center, marking a moment of relief for James. He had faced challenges in his initial four summer league games, where he struggled with a 22.6% field goal percentage and had not connected on any of his 15 attempted 3-pointers.
The pressure on James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, was palpable as every move of his was scrutinized by the crowd, particularly during the California Classic games in San Francisco and the Lakers’ matches in Las Vegas. However, in a turnaround performance against the Atlanta Hawks, James played his best game yet, contributing 12 points, including a pivotal late-game 3-pointer that tied the score in the Lakers’ narrow 87-86 victory.
Reflecting on his performance, James expressed confidence in his approach, stating, “I feel like I know the right way to play. So if I go out there and play my game every game, results like that will come.” He acknowledged the support of his parents, emphasizing their encouragement to stay focused and true to himself amidst the intense scrutiny.
James, who is closely watched by his father currently overseas with Team USA, shared advice he received from LeBron: “Just stay aggressive.” Despite challenges with his shooting, James remains committed to his development and sees defense as a strong suit.
The Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, praised James’ improved performance and highlighted the team’s confidence in his shooting abilities moving forward. Looking ahead, James eagerly anticipates the opportunity to play alongside his father in the upcoming season, viewing it as a chance to strengthen their bond both on and off the court.
With two more summer league games remaining, James aims to build on his recent success and continue making strides in his basketball journey under the spotlight of his family’s legacy and high expectations.
