Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, delivered his best performance in the NBA Summer League on Wednesday, scoring 12 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 87-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. His contributions also included a rebound, a steal, and a turnover.
James’ performance was highlighted by his first Summer League three-pointer, breaking a streak of 16 consecutive misses to start his professional career. The 19-year-old shot 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, showcasing his potential after a challenging start.
Big man Colin Castleton led the Lakers with an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, propelling the team to a narrow win. Despite the absence of first-round draft pick Dalton Knecht, who was rested due to the demanding schedule of six games in 11 days, the Lakers managed to secure the victory. The game was observed by Lakers head coach JJ Redick and assistant coach Lindsey Harding.
Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, James is averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 25.4 minutes per game across five Summer League appearances. His shooting percentages have been low, with a field goal percentage of 28.6% and a three-point percentage of 10%.
This performance marks a significant bounce back for James, who faced heavy criticism for his initial struggles. Each touch of the ball often turned into a debate about his place in the NBA and whether he deserved his spot. James is under immense pressure, partly due to the Lakers’ efforts to keep his father, LeBron James, satisfied after he opted out of his contract, and the strategic maneuvering by his camp to secure his position with the Lakers. He has a guaranteed four-year, $7.9 million contract awaiting him.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Summer League should not be viewed as a definitive measure of a player’s future potential. James will have one more opportunity to build on his progress and secure another win on Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
