It could be solely 4 video games into Bronny James’ skilled profession, however he’s already receiving applause from among the NBA’s finest.
On the heels of a 13-point efficiency towards the Cleveland Cavaliers wherein he added 5 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, James was lauded on X by Thunder heart Chet Holmgren.
“Seemed like a complete professional” Holmgren wrote in response to a tweet summarizing James’ outing.
James, who performed only one yr with USC earlier than coming into the NBA draft, churned out a number of highlights from the sport, together with a slick step-back 3.
The fifty fifth total choice has been up and down all through his restricted Summer season League tenure, though he’s now stacked two encouraging video games in a row.
On Wednesday towards the Hawks, James totaled 12 factors, one rebound and one steal.
Throughout his first two video games, James mustered solely 10 factors on 3-of-19 taking pictures.
Throughout James’ second Summer season League recreation towards the Boston Celtics, star ahead Jaylen Brown was revealed to seemingly rip James and his skillset.
Whereas Brown later clarified his remarks on social media, the ripple results of his perceived opinion carried over into Thursday.
When requested by a fan if he was clapping again at Brown when praising James, Holmgren responded “No.”
The 22-year-old heart beforehand leveraged his personal Summer season League play into a superb rookie season wherein he tallied 16.5 factors, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a couple of.3 blocks per recreation, ending second in Rookie of the 12 months voting behind Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Holmgrem fashioned a vaunted trio with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in Oklahoma Metropolis, propelling the Thunder to the very best file within the Western Convention earlier than being eradicated by the Mavericks within the second spherical of the playoffs.
Previous to his first wholesome yr, Holmgren — who was sidelined for all of 2022-23 as a result of a damaged foot — performed in two Summer season League matchups, averaging 20.5 factors, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and three.5 blocks per recreation.
James and the Summer season League Lakers will subsequent battle first-round choose Matas Buzelis and the Bulls on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
