LAS VEGAS — Bronny James continues to show progress in his second NBA Summer League campaign, flashing improved confidence, efficiency, and playmaking as part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ developmental roster.
In Monday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, the 20-year-old guard delivered his strongest performance of the summer. James scored 17 points — a team high — while adding five rebounds and five assists in the Lakers’ 67–58 loss. He shot an efficient 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, looking far more composed than in his rookie Summer League stint. Despite committing three turnovers, James also tied for the team’s best plus/minus (+5).
Selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, James has worked to refine his offensive game after a rocky debut year. As a rookie, he shot just 32.7% from the floor and a meager 13% from three. This summer, he’s connecting on 44.8% of his field goals and 31.3% of his triples through three games in Las Vegas — a notable step forward in efficiency.
Over his past two outings, James has averaged 15.5 points, four assists, and three rebounds while assuming more on-ball duties, particularly in the pick-and-roll. Lakers coaches have encouraged him to operate as both a facilitator and spot-up shooter, testing his ability to adapt to multiple roles.
While teammates like Cole Swider and Darius Bazley have also impressed with their shooting and defensive range, James’ development remains a major storyline. His defensive instincts continue to stand out, and improving his consistency as a perimeter shooter could be the key to earning a long-term NBA role.
Bronny’s growth in poise, decision-making, and confidence suggests meaningful strides in his journey toward becoming a reliable 3-and-D contributor for the Lakers.
