In his much-anticipated NBA Summer League debut, Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, scored his first bucket, marking a significant milestone in his budding professional basketball career. Bronny, drafted 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his debut in a game against the Sacramento Kings ending 94 – 108 on July 6, 2024, at 4:30 PM ET.

Bronny’s debut comes after a challenging freshman season at USC, where he faced a life-threatening cardiac arrest incident. Despite these challenges, he showcased his skills and resilience in the Lakers’ Summer League opener, making an immediate impact with his scoring ability.

“Every first game that I step into the next level, it’s always some butterlies in my stomach, but as soon as the ball tips and we go couple times down, it all goes away and i’m just playing basketball.”
Bronny James Post Game

The Lakers’ Summer League schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Following their game against the Kings, the Lakers are set to face the Golden State Warriors on July 7 at 6:30 PM ET and the Miami Heat on July 10 at 7:00 PM ET. They will then travel to Las Vegas for the NBA 2K25 Summer League, starting with a game against the Houston Rockets on July 12 at 7:30 PM ET. Subsequent games include matchups against the Boston Celtics on July 15, the Atlanta Hawks on July 17, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 18.

Bronny’s inclusion in the Summer League roster, alongside other notable prospects like Dalton Knecht, who was drafted 17th overall, brings a renewed sense of excitement and hope for Lakers fans. Knecht, a standout from Tennessee, averaged nearly 22 points per game last season and is expected to be a key player for the Lakers.

The Lakers’ Summer League roster also features returning players from the 2023-24 season, such as Maxwell Lewis and Colin Castleton. Lewis, drafted 40th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, is known for his 3-and-D potential, while Castleton, an undrafted center from Florida, is recognized for his shot-blocking prowess.

The Lakers’ previous Summer League performances have been a mixed bag. Last year, they went winless in the California Classic but managed to secure wins against the Golden State Warriors and the Charlotte Hornets in Las Vegas. However, a heavy loss to the Memphis Grizzlies highlighted the team’s struggles. This year, the Lakers aim to build on their development, focusing on nurturing young talent like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht.

Bronny’s journey from a challenging college season to making his mark in the NBA Summer League is a testament to his perseverance and determination. As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will be on Bronny to see how he continues to evolve and contribute to the Lakers’ success.