Bronny James did a little bit of everything in his second summer league game, but it turned into another loss for the Los Angeles Lakers yougnsters.
The son of LeBron James posted three points on 1-of-3 shooting plus five rebounds, three assists, three blocks, two steals and two turnovers in 29 minutes of an 80-76 loss to the Miami Heat. The bigger performance came from the Lakers’ first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, who had 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting and nine rebounds.
The game saw the Lakers blow an eight-point lead with three-and-a-half minutes remaining. Keshad Johnson and Alondes Williams led the way for the Heat with 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists each.
Like with nearly every summer league performance, there were some good moments and some bad moments for the younger James. His impact was clearest on defense, which was considered to be the more advanced part of his game entering the 2024 NBA Draft.
You can’t teach Bronny’s defensive instincts… just an absolute MENACE as a defender 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xnS20rqu9t
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 10, 2024
Helluva on-ball defense from Bronny pic.twitter.com/icCb63Cxa0
— Brian (#1 Max Christie Fan Acct) (@RunTheJules) July 11, 2024
However, social media also seized on whatever lowlight they could find, unfair or not.
BRONNY JUST GOT HIS ANKLES TOOK😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/1NHXkVRJ9w
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) July 11, 2024
How on earth did Bronny James airball this?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/QorB2XfELh
— Isaac Edelman (@IsaacEdelman) July 10, 2024
The performance was similar to James’ summer league debut, in which he posted four points in 21 minutes of a loss. He missed the Lakers’ second game with knee swelling.
Of course, James’ actual on-court performance is almost beside the point. The Lakers certainly wouldn’t complain if he reached his reasonable potential as a facilitating point guard who can be a problem (for the other team) on defense, but there was a reason he refused to work out for only them and the Phoenix Suns, just as there was a reason for why the team gave him a four-year, guaranteed contract after selecting him 55th overall.
When James takes the court with his father, they will become the first father-son combo to play together in NBA history, yet another display of LeBron’s rare longevity. You don’t need much preparation in summer league for that, though it’ll ultimately be on Bronny to show he can stick in the league if his father’s influence wanes.
