Bronny James had his NBA summer league debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in the California Classic, where they faced the Sacramento Kings. Despite the Lakers losing 108-94, James managed to score four points on 2-for-9 shooting. He also contributed two assists, two rebounds, and showcased some highlight plays during his 21 minutes on the court.
NBA insiders provided their analysis of James’ debut. Kendra Andrews described it as quiet, emphasizing the importance of monitoring his progress throughout the summer league. Baxter Holmes referred to it as uneventful, highlighting the need for James to acclimate to playing against NBA-level competition. Dave McMenamin mentioned that James’ production was expected given his status as a rookie, emphasizing the importance of the Lakers’ commitment to his development.
One significant aspect of James’ game that stood out was his ability to turn defense into offense. He showcased his defensive skills with a steal that led to a fast-break score for the Lakers. Holmes noted that opponents will likely test James defensively throughout his career. Andrews pointed out that James did not handle the ball frequently, suggesting that the Lakers may not see him as a primary ball handler yet.
Looking ahead to James’ next summer league game, Holmes recommended paying attention to his decisiveness and adjusting to the expectations surrounding him. Andrews highlighted the importance of offensive improvements and defensive prowess for James to earn playing time. McMenamin emphasized the need for James to shake off any rust from his long break and continue to make incremental progress in each game.
As James continues to navigate his rookie summer league experience, fans can expect to see him grow and develop his skills over time. The road to becoming an NBA player is a challenging one, but with dedication and hard work, James has the potential to make a significant impact on the court in the future.