Lakers Make Bold Move With Bronny James Choice

Los Angeles Lakers Summer League: A New Beginning for Bronny James

The Los Angeles Lakers started their Summer League campaign on Saturday at the California Classic, but one of the most anticipated players, Bronny James, was not on the court. Instead, he was in attendance for the game against the Golden State Warriors, dressed in casual attire. The starting lineup featured Dalton Knecht, Cole Swider, Trey Jemison III, DaJuan Gordon, and DJ Steward.

Fans were visibly disappointed, with many questioning why Bronny wasn’t part of the lineup. Some expressed their frustration openly, saying, “Bronny James not in the Summer League is wild.” Others commented, “He’s on the bench like he dropped 20 PPG last season.” Another fan added, “I’m definitely not watching no Lakers Summer League game if Bronny not playing. I’m definitely changing the channel.”

Some fans took it a step further, suggesting conspiracy theories about LeBron James potentially being traded. One fan remarked, “Bronny is not that good to be skipping Summer League, so the trade rumors must be true after all.” These comments highlight the high expectations surrounding the James family and the impact they have on the team's fanbase.

The Lakers are set to play three games at the California Classic before heading to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League. Their first game in Las Vegas will be against the Dallas Mavericks and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. This is an important opportunity for the team to evaluate its young talent and prepare for the upcoming season.

Bronny James Aims for Growth in His Second Year

Bronny James enters his second year with more experience under his belt. Last season, he appeared in 27 games, starting just once. He averaged 2.3 points per game on 31.3% shooting and 28.1% from three-point range. Additionally, he spent time in the G League, where he averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 18 games.

Reflecting on his first season, Bronny shared, “Last year it was a crazy environment for me to step in and produce right off the rip, like being nervous too.” He emphasized that this year, he feels more confident and ready to play freely. “I feel like this year, I’ll be able to go out and play freely and know what I’m gonna go out and do for me and my teammates. So, yeah, I’m just really excited to be able to play nervous-free.”

James is focused on expanding his role with the Lakers this season. After gaining some NBA experience last year, he has dedicated his offseason to improving his game and preparing for a larger contribution. “It’s definitely some more excitement than nervousness, for sure,” he said. “I’m just ready to go out there and play and be better than I was the last time I was playing. Just having that mindset of being ready to play and ready for whatever’s thrown at me, no matter the role, what I gotta do on defense, offense, everything. Being a good teammate for my new summer league team, stuff like that.”

Dalton Knecht Builds on a Challenging Rookie Season

Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick by the Lakers, had a notable rookie season. He averaged 19.2 minutes per game and scored 9.1 points while hitting 37.6% of his three-pointers. However, his first year was not without challenges.

Knecht was briefly involved in a trade deal that included Mark Williams, but the move was ultimately voided after Williams failed his physical. Despite the uncertainty, Knecht remained focused on his development. “Right after the [playoff] loss, I pretty much started right away. Didn’t take much time off,” he said. “So I was getting in the gym, starting at 6 a.m., going with the guys at 10 and then coming back later at night just to get as many shots as I can, just working on my game and my cuts.”

The Lakers will return to action at the California Classic on Sunday against the Miami Heat. Fans are eager to see how the team performs and whether young players like Knecht and James can make an impact.

As the Summer League progresses, the focus will remain on the development of these young talents and their potential to contribute to the Lakers' future success.