The spotlight was on Bronny James, the son of Lakers legend LeBron James, as he made his much-anticipated debut in the NBA Summer League. The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Sacramento Kings in a 108-94 defeat at the California Classic in San Francisco. Bronny’s disappointing first game was a mix of promise and struggle, scoring just four points while shooting 2-for-9 from the field, missing all three of his three-point attempts, and failing to convert both free throws. He also contributed with two assists, two rebounds, and one steal during his 21 minutes on the court.
LeBron’s Legacy in Jeopardy? Bronny’s Disappointing First Game
The game started on a shaky note for Bronny, who couldn’t find the basket in the first quarter. His first points came halfway through the second quarter with a driving layup, tying the game at 31-31. Despite his father, LeBron, being absent due to his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA, he was virtually present, encouraging his son through social media. “C’mon man that’s tough… Get loose,” LeBron commented, highlighting his unwavering support.
Drafted from USC with the 55th pick in the second round, Bronny’s entry into the NBA has been momentous. He signed a four-year, $7.9 million rookie deal on the same day LeBron secured a two-year, $104 million contract with the Lakers, marking a historic moment as the first father-son duo to play in the league simultaneously.
Although Bronny struggled offensively, his defensive skills shone through. In a notable second-quarter play, he intercepted a pass from Yves Pons and facilitated a fast break, leading to an easy layup by Kyle Mangas. This moment showcased Bronny’s potential to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers, trailing closely at several points, managed to cut the Kings’ lead to five with just over eight minutes left in the game. However, the Kings surged ahead, sealing a 14-point victory. Sacramento’s shooting accuracy was formidable, hitting 61.9% from the field, while the Lakers lagged at 43.2%.
Blake Hinson was the standout for the Lakers, scoring 17 points off the bench. Tommy Kuhse nearly achieved a double-double with 15 points and eight assists, while Maxwell Lewis added 14 points. Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, ended with 12 points despite a challenging shooting night.
On the Kings’ side, Adonis Arms dominated with a double-double, recording 32 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Antoine Davis was impressive off the bench, contributing 20 points, including six three-pointers, and Jordan Ford added 17 points.
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