Lakers' Bronny James Already Load Managing After One Game
Is Bronny James already running from the spotlight?
The Lakers rookie made his summer league debut on Saturday, letting his apologists down. James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost, 108-94, to the Sacramento Kings at the California Classic. Bronny recorded four points (2 for 9), two rebounds, two assists and two broken ankles in 22 minutes of play.
Despite being a let-down on the court and box score, James seemed to be in good health.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench during the second half of the 2024 California Classic summer league game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on July 06, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Bronny James, son of LeBron, is the most bet player to go first in the 2024 NBA Draft Wednesday. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Eager to check if Bronny's debut was a fluke, all eyes went toward Sunday's game against the Golden State Warriors. However, Bronny James was a last-minute scratch because of "swelling" in his left knee.
Lakers reporter Mike Trudell delivered the disappointing update Sunday. Bronny took a "precautionary" move by sitting out Sunday's game.
Perhaps the contest was not high stakes enough for Bronny.
Or perhaps Bronny is incorporating load management early in his career to play until he's 40 like his dad.
Bronny James' Addition To Lakers Still A Head-Scratcher
Bronny's fully guaranteed rookie contract sparked backlash this week, leading to continued skepticism about his drafting to the Lakers' roster. Critics of James continue to question whether Bronny was picked based on potential or privilege as the son of LeBron James. His fans and critics must now wait till Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat to see more from the underdeveloped rookie, though James' status remains up in the air for now.
"The atmosphere," Bronny said after Saturday's loss to the KIngs. "It was more than I expected. I mean, it's a big game for me, but I didn't know if people from Golden State would come and rep for me. So that was pretty nice to see."
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of the 2024 California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 06, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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