Bronny James Shines in Summer League
In Las Vegas on Monday night, Bronny James made an impressive statement as he scored the first three points for the Los Angeles Lakers in their Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Not only that, but he contributed 10 of the Lakers’ initial 18 points, ultimately leading the team with a total of 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Although the Lakers lost 67-58, the 20-year-old demonstrated notable offensive skills, shooting 60% from the floor (6 of 10) and 60% from beyond the arc (3 of 5).
Performance Highlights
Despite committing three turnovers during the match, Bronny matched center Christian Koloko for the highest plus/minus rating of any Lakers player at +5. While he continues to draw significant attention within the team, it’s worth noting that he isn’t the standout performer for the Lakers this summer. Cole Swider, at 26, has been turning heads with his sharpshooting, while Darius Bazley, also 25, is showcasing his versatile defensive capabilities, making them both contenders for key roles in the upcoming season.
Growth and Development
Bronny’s journey in the league is still evolving. Compared to his rookie Summer League performance, where he struggled with a field goal percentage of 32.7% over 52 attempts, he is showing signs of growth this year. So far, in three games, he has averaged 13 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while shooting an improved 44.8% overall and 31.3% from three. This improvement in his gameplay reflects his increased confidence and poise on the court compared to last year’s efforts.
Future Prospects
The Lakers have entrusted him with more ball-handling duties this Summer League, allowing him to engage in pick-and-roll plays, which he has executed well. Nevertheless, to cement his position in the NBA, he is likely going to need to develop into a reliable three-and-D player. While his shooting is still a work in progress, his defensive prowess is noteworthy, particularly given his 6-foot-7 wingspan and 215-pound build that enable him to compete against taller opponents. He notably held his own against 2024’s number one draft pick, Cooper Flagg, in a highly anticipated matchup.
Looking Ahead
Looking back at his performances, Bronny has exhibited flashes of brilliance, such as a high-flying dunk and a solid start with ten first-half points against the Miami Heat. However, to keep perspective, he also had a rough outing against the San Antonio Spurs, where he only managed two points and logged three turnovers. As he steps into his second season with the franchise, with 27 NBA games and G League experience already under his belt, the path forward is filled with higher expectations for him and the Lakers, especially as the window for championship contention narrows for LeBron James’s team.
