LAS VEGAS — The Los Angeles Lakers had a tough night against the Boston Celtics in Summer League action on Monday, falling 88-74. Bronny James received a warm welcome from fans at the Thomas & Mack Center, but his performance didn’t meet expectations, leading to some early exits from disappointed spectators.
James struggled to make an impact offensively, shooting just 1-of-5 from the field and 0-of-3 from beyond the arc. Despite a late basket that excited the crowd, he finished with only two points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 25 minutes. On the defensive end, James did showcase his skills with a notable block in the first quarter.
The Lakers faced challenges in finding their offensive flow in the second half, while the Celtics executed a strong offensive strategy that kept the Lakers on their toes. Dalton Knecht and Max Lewis contributed solid performances for L.A., but it was Neemias Queta and JD Davison who led the Celtics to victory.
This wasn’t James’ best showing at the Vegas Summer League, as he struggled with his shooting and expressed frustration with his performance. Despite this, he remains focused on improving and embracing his role within the team, recognizing that he won’t be the primary scoring option like his father, LeBron.
Looking ahead, James understands the areas he needs to work on and draws inspiration from NBA players who excel in their roles. While he may not be a star player, he aims to contribute effectively and learn from experienced professionals in the league.
As the No. 55 draft pick, James will spend time in the G League to refine his skills before making a significant impact with the Lakers. While the Summer League results may not be crucial in the long run, they serve as a valuable learning experience for James as he prepares for his rookie season. Despite his shooting struggles, James shows potential as a versatile defender and a player willing to adapt to his role on the team.
With a supportive organization behind him, James is determined to grow and contribute to the Lakers’ success. His journey is just beginning, and fans can look forward to seeing him develop alongside his father, LeBron, at Crypto.com Arena in the upcoming season.