Bronny James shows growth in Vegas Summer League as development continues
The Los Angeles Lakers’ second-year guard delivered his strongest performance of the summer Monday night at Thomas & Mack Center, posting 17 points in a defensive battle against the Clippers that ended 67-58 in favor of their crosstown rivals.
Strong start sets the tone
James opened the game with immediate impact, drilling a three-pointer on the Lakers’ first possession and contributing 10 of the team’s first 18 points. His efficient shooting—6 of 10 from the field including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc—marked a significant improvement from his rookie Summer League struggles.
The 20-year-old guard finished with team-highs in points (17) and shared the best plus/minus (+5) among Lakers players. He added five rebounds and five assists, showing improved court vision and playmaking ability despite committing three turnovers.
Year-over-year improvement evident
The contrast from last summer is striking. As a rookie, James shot just 32.7% from the field in Summer League play, including a dismal 3 of 23 from three-point range. This year, he’s shooting 44.8% from the field across his Vegas games, displaying notably more poise and confidence.
“He’s handling the ball more this year,” noted observers courtside. The Lakers have trusted James with increased pick-and-roll responsibilities, and he’s shown flashes of competence orchestrating the offense.
High-profile matchup draws massive crowd
James’ most anticipated moment came earlier in the week when he faced off against top draft pick Cooper Flagg. The Thomas & Mack Center sold out for the occasion, with ticket prices soaring to $643 for lower bowl seats and $2,519 for courtside positions—unprecedented for a Summer League game.
James opened that contest with five straight points, both scored over Flagg, before cooling off as the game progressed. The matchup highlighted both his defensive tenacity—utilizing his 6-foot-7 wingspan effectively—and areas still needing refinement.
Development path remains clear
While showing improvement, James faces stiff competition for Lakers minutes. Veterans Cole Swider (26) and Darius Bazley (25) have impressed with their Summer League performances, potentially positioning themselves for roster spots ahead of the second-round pick.
For James to carve out an NBA role, scouts suggest he’ll need to develop into a reliable 3-and-D player. His defense has shown promise—he held his own against bigger players throughout the week—but his three-point shooting remains inconsistent at 31.3% in Vegas.
G League success translates partially
James’ confidence appears boosted by his G League regular season performance, where he averaged 18.6 points while shooting 38% from three-point range. That efficiency hasn’t fully translated to Summer League, but the improved ball-handling and decision-making are evident.
With 27 NBA games already under his belt and extensive G League experience, James enters his second professional season with clearer expectations. The stakes have risen as his father’s championship window narrows, but Monday’s performance suggests the younger James is making the necessary strides in his development journey.
Image Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/analyst-gives-reality-check-bronny-140049687.html
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Sport Events
Date: 07/15/2025
