Final week Bronny James and Dalton Knecht made their highly-awaited debuts with the purple and gold jersey within the workforce’s first Summer time League match in opposition to the Kings. Regardless of shedding the sport 108-94 and displaying poor taking pictures averages, the rookies confirmed a few of their expertise as potential Lakers stars.
LeBron’s eldest son scored 4 factors on 2-for-9 taking pictures, however he confirmed some promise when he posted a drive halfway by means of the second quarter that proved he has an explosive high quality in the direction of the rim. In 21 minutes, the No. 55 decide additionally stole the ball as soon as, added two assists and two rebounds to his complete stats.
Most consultants have been removed from impressed by the gamers’ exhibitions, however nonetheless level out some constructive takeaways. “Quiet, and that’s not a nasty factor. There’s solely a lot to remove from the primary California Traditional recreation. James and fellow rookie Dalton Knecht each struggled from the sphere — Knecht scored 12 factors on 3-for-12 taking pictures — in order that’s one thing to observe as summer time league continues.
“It wasn’t shocking that James didn’t have a stellar debut, and will probably be extra vital to see small enhancements as his summer time league continues,” ESPN’s Kendra Andrews stated after their debut final weekend.
Knecht, who excited many within the Los Angeles locker room when he acquired the workforce’s first decide of the draft, solely dropped in 3-of-13 photographs in 22 minutes of motion, however was nonetheless in a position to rating 12 factors the next evening.
Regardless that his precision wasn’t spectacular, the rising star was in a position to present many actions through the recreation that excited Lakers followers, largely off dribble-hand-offs and curls. “Simply being affected person with it,” Lakers summer time league coach Dane Johnson stated about his pupil’s struggles. “It’s a protracted summer time league.”
“It’s going to come back. He’s an incredible participant, so I’m not apprehensive about him lacking a few of the photographs he’s taking. He’s an incredible shooter. Let the sport come to him. There are some [flashes] the place you see that he’s acquired it,” he added.
Knecht turned an All-American largely as a result of his unbelievable shotmaking in school, averaging 21.7 factors per recreation on 42.3% from vary. “I haven’t performed since March,” Dalton defined. “Simply discovering my rhythm once more and maintain taking part in with these new guys and maintain adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad all the time informed me the subsequent shot goes in. Shooters shoot.”
Bronny James suffers knee harm and Lakers determine to not play him on Sunday’s California Traditional recreation vs. Warriors
In a precautionary transfer, the purple and gold determined to not play their rookie star Bronny James on Sunday, because the workforce clashed in opposition to the Warriors in San Francisco for the California Traditional summer time league contest. Apparently, the 19-year-old had swelling in his left knee and remained out of motion.
“The hope is [and] the plan is for him to play the subsequent recreation right here. However that’s all the data we’ve to this point,” Lakers summer time league coach Dane Johnson expressed after the match which led to a 92-68 defeat for the Lakers.
.@RealSkipBayless weighs in on Bronny James’ Summer time League debut and swollen knee: pic.twitter.com/GvuQ2Rqsl4
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 8, 2024
James is anticipated to play once more in Wednesday’s final basic match in opposition to the Miami Warmth, though Johnson did say that the participant’s availability is lower than him, however to the workforce’s medical workers.
“Our trainers cope with all of that. They simply give me updates,” the tactician assured, as he hopes to see as a lot of Bronny as he can throughout this summer time, whereas the athlete has a lot to show. “So, hopefully, you guys can have data on that later.”
