Bronny James’ first appearances in a purple and gold jersey have been every little thing however spectacular, particularly throughout his Summer time League debut in Las Vegas this previous weekend. The Lakers misplaced towards the Rockets 99-80 and the 19-year-old was very imprecise when capturing, regardless of producing a couple of fascinating performs throughout the match.
“I simply really feel like I’m in a bit hunch proper now,” he admitted after scoring 8 factors that got here on 3-for-14 capturing towards Houston. The No. 55 decide of the previous NBA Draft mentioned that he’ll welcome any task given to him in his first marketing campaign as a basketball skilled.
Nonetheless, the younger guard is open so long as he’s given the chance to play and enhance his sport, even whether it is enjoying for the G League squad in South Bay. “I’m simply wanting ahead to any basketball I play, it doesn’t matter what degree I’m enjoying at,” he insisted.
“Do not take an excessive amount of inventory, it is Summer time League.”@PaulPierce34 on Bronny James’ early struggles pic.twitter.com/JnlEHz8DU1
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 15, 2024
After this weekend’s conflict in Nevada, it’s exhausting to not enter comparisons, particularly as Bronny confronted the Rockets’ Cam Whitmore. The No. 20 decide of final yr’s draft ended the competition with 20 factors, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. As a rookie, he performed 13 matches for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers within the G League, and averaged 26.8 factors, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a pair of.1 steals per sport.
James Jr., alternatively, suffered three turnovers that evening and struggled on offense generally. After three Summer time League shows, together with each California Traditional clashes, the 19-year-old is dropping 23.1% of his pictures general, and has missed each single try from past the arc.
When requested about his pupil’s woes, the Lakers’ summer time league coach Dane Johnson is satisfied that the participant is simply getting settled into the massive leagues and is exhibiting promise for the long run.
“Shoot, he’s going to have an extended profession,” mentioned Johnson, who primarily coaches the South Bay Lakers within the G League. “That is only the start. We simply preserve instilling [confidence], preserve that of their heads. So we’ve received an extended solution to go. I don’t learn about that but, so I can’t actually touch upon that,” Johnson mentioned. “However I believe all these guys are going to be within the G League in some unspecified time in the future — the draftees.”
Bronny’s agent has knowledgeable groups across the league that his consumer isn’t inquisitive about becoming a member of another franchise on a two-way contract
Whereas Dalton Knecht is really demonstrating why the has been a lot hype round him, particularly because the Draft’s No. 17 decide led the Los Angeles crew with 25 factors on 9-for-18 capturing (5-for-11 from 3), 6 rebounds and 4 assists towards Houston, James Jr. nonetheless has loads to show.
His agent Wealthy Paul even informed ESPN that he knowledgeable different NBA franchises that Bronny isn’t seeking to be a part of another squad on a two-way deal. “I received the phrase out early to groups that in case you plan on bringing Bronny in, right here’s what it’s essential to know: In case you received’t give him an actual deal, there’s nothing to speak about,” he expressed. “It’s exhausting to get actual growth on a two-way deal.”
Whereas his offensive shows have been removed from spectacular, his protection is beginning to search for. The rising star recorded two steals (including to his 5 in whole throughout the Summer time League), and guarded Rockets rookie Reed Shepard all through the competition.
“I’ve identified Reed since fifth grade,” James Jr. mentioned concerning the No. 3 decide of the Draft. “I do know he’s a shooter, so I used to be simply attempting to get in his physique and forestall these 3-balls from going up. I used to be attempting to select him up full courtroom and exhibiting my effort to the GM and coaches.”
