Lakers Secure Victory in Summer League Thriller Against Hawks
The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first victory of 2024 in a nail-biting summer league game, edging out the Atlanta Hawks 87-86. The win snapped a five-game losing streak and was a significant boost for the team, which had been struggling in the early stages of summer league play.
Bronny James Shines
Rookie guard Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, played a pivotal role in the Lakers' triumph. James, who had been facing criticism for his performance in the first four summer league games, where he averaged just 4.3 points and missed all 15 of his three-point attempts, stepped up when it mattered most.
James started the game with a confident 17-foot pull-up jumper and continued to display his skills throughout. He finished with 12 points, nine of which came in the first half. James made 5-of-11 field goal attempts, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His crucial three-pointer late in the game tied the score, setting the stage for the Lakers to secure the win with a key defensive stop in the closing seconds.
"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]," said James, reflecting on his performance. "Just stay aggressive. Even though my shot hasn't been falling, just staying aggressive."
Team Effort and Key Contributions
While James was instrumental in the victory, it was a team effort that ultimately brought the Lakers across the finish line. Center Colin Castleton had a standout performance, scoring 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making two steals. Castleton, a dominant presence in the paint, provided the Lakers with a reliable anchor on both ends of the court.
Castleton praised James for his resilience and development, saying, "I think he's stepping into a good role. It takes a little bit of time. 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. Everybody in the organization loves being around him and he took great shots tonight and just got a good rhythm."
Notable Absences
Despite their victory, the Lakers were without their first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, who did not play in the game. On the opposing side, the Hawks were missing their No. 1 overall pick, Zacharie Risacher, adding an extra layer of complexity to the matchup. Nevertheless, the Lakers were able to secure the win with a cohesive and determined effort.
Social Media Buzz
The game also drew attention on social media, where a post captured Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown appearing to critique James during a previous Lakers loss to the Celtics. Brown later commented on the situation, emphasizing the positive aspects of the family dynamic in the NBA. "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 stated.
Rich Paul, an influential figure in the NBA, defended Brown's remarks, stating, "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. So, if he has that opinion, he can have that opinion. I know Jaylen. I know he doesn't mean that with any malice. He was just having a conversation."
Looking Ahead
The Lakers have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas, where they will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. It remains to be seen whether the momentum from this win can help the team build towards further success.
Coach Dane Johnson expressed confidence in James and the team's direction, saying, "He had those same shots previously, and he just missed them. So, we're going to encourage him to keep taking those. If he's open and we have an open catch-and-shoot [shot], we want him to shoot those, along with everybody else. Open catch-and-shoot threes are what we're looking for. Even if you're not making them, believe in yourself, have confidence in yourself."
As the Lakers continue their summer league journey, the hope is that this victory will serve as a turning point, inspiring the players to maintain their aggressive play and build stronger team chemistry. For Bronny James, the future looks bright as he continues to develop his game and carve out his own path in the NBA.
"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," James added, underscoring the personal and professional growth that lies ahead.