Bronny James Struggles In Lakers Summer League Debut
One of the most anticipated debuts of the NBA Summer League schedule happened Saturday, as the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie Bronny James faced off against the Sacramento Kings in the California Classic.
James has quickly become among the most controversial players in the league, mostly because of the obvious nepotism involved in his selection and contract status.
Well regardless of the motivations, James is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. And Saturday, the team and the rest of the league got to see what he might able to bring to the table in his debut season in LA.
The answer was, well…not much.
James got obliterated on one of his first defensive opportunities on a step back by Adonis Arms.
It wasn't all bad for Bronny though, he did put down a shot from close range on some nice off the ball movement.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Jordan Ford #31 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a 2024 California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 06, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Bronny James Shows Flashes, But Plenty To Improve On
James also created some space for himself with some solid ball handling in the third quarter to drain a long jumper.
But overall, his plus/minus rating while on the court was, well, terrible. James made just two shots on the day, finishing with four points, going 2 for 9 on field goals, 0 for 3 from 3-point range, and 0 for 2 from the free-throw line. He did have two rebounds, one assist and one steal, but his -15 plus/minus was tied for the worst of the day…with the Lakers first round pick, Dalton Knecht.
It's just one game, but the early returns on Bronny were essentially as expected; it's going to be an uphill battle for him to become even an average NBA player. But the Lakers pick secured LeBron James for another two years.
Still, J.J. Reddick has his work cut out for him.