Final week Bronny James and Dalton Knecht made their highly-awaited debuts with the purple and gold jersey within the group’s first Summer time League match in opposition to the Kings. Regardless of shedding the sport 108-94 and displaying poor taking pictures averages, the rookies confirmed a few of their abilities as potential Lakers stars.
LeBron’s eldest son scored 4 factors on 2-for-9 taking pictures, however he confirmed some promise when he posted a drive halfway by means of the second quarter that proved he has an explosive high quality in the direction of the rim. In 21 minutes, the No. 55 choose additionally stole the ball as soon as, added two assists and two rebounds to his whole stats.
Most consultants have been removed from impressed by the gamers’ exhibitions, however nonetheless level out some optimistic takeaways. “Quiet, and that’s not a foul factor. There’s solely a lot to remove from the primary California Traditional recreation. James and fellow rookie Dalton Knecht each struggled from the sector — Knecht scored 12 factors on 3-for-12 taking pictures — in order that’s one thing to watch as summer time league continues.
“It wasn’t shocking that James didn’t have a stellar debut, and it is going to be extra essential to see small enhancements as his summer time league continues,” ESPN’s Kendra Andrews stated after their debut final weekend.
Knecht, who excited many within the Los Angeles locker room when he obtained the group’s first choose of the draft, solely dropped in 3-of-13 pictures in 22 minutes of motion, however was nonetheless in a position to rating 12 factors the next evening.
Regardless that his precision wasn’t spectacular, the rising star was in a position to present many actions throughout the recreation that excited Lakers followers, principally off dribble-hand-offs and curls. “Simply being affected person with it,” Lakers summer time league coach Dane Johnson stated about his pupil’s struggles. “It’s a protracted summer time league.”
“It’s going to return. He’s an incredible participant, so I’m not frightened about him lacking a few of the pictures he’s taking. He’s an incredible shooter. Let the sport come to him. There are some [flashes] the place you see that he’s obtained it,” he added.
Knecht turned an All-American principally on account of his unbelievable shotmaking in faculty, averaging 21.7 factors per recreation on 42.3% from vary. “I haven’t performed since March,” Dalton defined. “Simply discovering my rhythm once more and preserve taking part in with these new guys and preserve adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad all the time advised me the following shot goes in. Shooters shoot.”
Bronny James suffers knee harm and Lakers determine to not play him on Sunday’s California Traditional recreation vs. Warriors
In a precautionary transfer, the purple and gold determined to not play their rookie star Bronny James on Sunday, because the group clashed in opposition to the Warriors in San Francisco for the California Traditional summer time league contest. Apparently, the 19-year-old had swelling in his left knee and remained out of motion.
“The hope is [and] the plan is for him to play the following recreation right here. However that’s all the knowledge we’ve thus far,” Lakers summer time league coach Dane Johnson expressed after the match which led to a 92-68 defeat for the Lakers.
.@RealSkipBayless weighs in on Bronny James’ Summer time League debut and swollen knee: pic.twitter.com/GvuQ2Rqsl4
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 8, 2024
James is predicted to play once more in Wednesday’s final traditional match in opposition to the Miami Warmth, though Johnson did say that the participant’s availability is lower than him, however to the group’s medical employees.
“Our trainers cope with all of that. They only give me updates,” the tactician assured, as he hopes to see as a lot of Bronny as he can throughout this summer time, whereas the athlete has a lot to show. “So, hopefully, you guys can have info on that later.”
