Bronny James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League rotation on Wednesday evening after lacking the final recreation with knee swelling.
However, James had one other underwhelming efficiency within the Lakers’ 80-76 loss to the Miami Heat within the closing recreation of the California Classic.
James, the No. 55 choose of this 12 months’s NBA Draft, performed 29 minutes as one of many workforce’s 5 starters. However, he took simply three pictures, making one and hitting one among two free throws for 3 factors.
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He additionally recorded 5 rebounds and three assists.
While his offensive recreation has but to shine in his first two video games this summer season, James’ defensive prowess was on full show Wednesday evening.
BRONNY JAMES ‘DOESN’T GIVE A F—‘ ABOUT CRITICISM OR POPULARITY, LEBRON SAYS
James posted two steals and three blocks, as he was working laborious on that finish of the ground.
Some NBA followers had been crucial when James was blown previous by the Heat’s Alondes Williams, although he made a stunning spin transfer to set himself free for a basket.
However, James showcased his skill to protect nearly everybody on the courtroom, particularly on the perimeter.
Bronny James Jr., #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers, seems on in opposition to the Sacramento Kings through the first half of the 2024 California Classic summer season league recreation at Chase Center on July 6, 2024 in San Francisco. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
He was additionally seen battling with 7-foot heart Warren Washington down low throughout one defensive stand. Washington couldn’t get the ball down low with James throughout him, and the Lakers’ teen recorded one among his blocks as a Heat guard tried to drive to the basket on the identical play.
However, whereas these hustle performs will all the time have an effect on the sport, followers critique the offense essentially the most, and this efficiency was much like James’ debut.
The son of LeBron James scored simply 4 factors in 21 minutes in his first recreation earlier than needing to sit down with knee swelling within the Lakers’ second Summer League contest in opposition to the Golden State Warriors.
Of course, growth is all of the Lakers are on the lookout for in these video games, which haven’t any influence on the common season. Additionally, at that time, ESPN reported James would possible be seeing quite a lot of growth within the G League throughout his first skilled season.
Bronny James Jr., #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers, shoots a foul shot in opposition to the Sacramento Kings through the second half of the 2024 California Classic summer season league recreation at Chase Center on July 6, 2024 in San Francisco. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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When the James father-son duo take the courtroom for the primary time as Lakers, they are going to develop into the primary ever combo to play collectively in NBA historical past.
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