David Becker / AP
Los Angeles Laker guard Bronny James Jr. (9) drives the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA summer league game Friday, July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Thursday, July 18, 2024 | 2 a.m.
Every time his name was uttered over the speakers at the Thomas & Mack Center or whenever he touched the ball, Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James was quickly greeted with cheers.
He started in the Lakers Summer League game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and was met with a roar by fans when his name was announced. James kept them on their feet as he’d score the Lakers’ first points of the game.
Every time he had the ball: “Shoot it.” Every time he was on the bench: “We want Bronny.” The fans could not get enough of him. Even for James, with such an active crowd, it’s an adjustment he’s had to make mentality.
“I’m just taking it play-by-play, day-by-day and just trying to stay sane,” James said. “Staying sane is something, but it’s something that I’ve got to deal with if I’m gonna play at this level.”
It’s almost opposite to the narrative that’s been placed on him since the Lakers drafted James in the second round a month ago.
As the eldest son of Lakers’ great LeBron James, some felt the Lakers drafted James because of his legendary father also being with the franchise. Bronny James’ college stats only added fuel to that fire as he averaged just 4.8 points, 2.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 25 games during his freshman season at USC.
He’s had a slow start in Summer League, recording eight points, five rebounds and three turnovers against the Houston Rockets on July 12, and two points and three rebounds against the Boston Celtics on July 15.
However, James had a breakthrough performance Wednesday against the Hawks, finishing with 12 points in the Lakers to a narrow 88-87 victory.
“There was no change to my game,” Bronny said after Wednesday’s win. “I’m just trying to keep my confidence. I want to go out there and play my game. I feel like I know the right way to play, so if I play my game every game, results like that will come.”
Wednesday’s finish was a confidence booster for James and something that Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson likes to see.
“I think it’s just good for him (James),” Johnson said. “He knows he can make shots and stuff like that, so for him to actually see the results is gonna build his confidence. Hopefully he’ll keep pushing through and build it for the next two games.”
The Lakers have two more scheduled Summer League games left against the Cleveland Cavaliers 6 p.m. Thursday and 4 p.m. Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Both games will be played at Thomas & Mack.
Bronny James signed a four-year rookie contract with the Lakers earlier this month, meaning he’ll eventually suit up alongside his dad. The younger James will likely spend part of next season playing with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’s G-League affiliate.
“It’s a big step for the both of us,” the younger said. “I feel like playing together, going to work every day is going to build on the relationship we already have. It may build that connection even stronger, but I’m excited. I’m looking forward to going against each other in practice.”