The Los Angeles Lakers started their Summer League campaign at the California Classic on Saturday, but Bronny James, a key young talent, did not take the court. Although present for the matchup against the Golden State Warriors, James was dressed in casual clothes rather than playing, igniting questions about his absence during the Lakers Summer League.
The Lakers’ starting lineup for the game featured Dalton Knecht, Cole Swider, Trey Jemison III, DaJuan Gordon, and DJ Steward. Fans quickly expressed frustration online, reacting strongly to James being sidelined.
Fan Reactions to Bronny James’ Absence in Summer League Debut
Supporters of the Lakers Summer League voiced their surprise and disappointment after Bronny James was benched in the opening game. Many questioned why a player with James’ potential would not see action, especially since some considered him a rising star deserving of court time.
One fan remarked,
“Bronny James not in the Summer League is wild.”
Another added,
“He’s on the bench like he dropped 20 PPG last season.”
These comments reflect confusion, given James’ growing profile within the Lakers system.
Others took their concerns further, speculating about broader team implications. A fan suggested,
“Bronny is not that good to be skipping Summer League, so the trade rumours must be true after all,”
linking James’ absence to ongoing trade discussions involving his father, LeBron James.
Background on Bronny James’ Progress and Goals for the Upcoming Season
Entering his second professional year, Bronny James carries experience from his rookie season, where he appeared in 27 games and started once. His early NBA stats included an average of 2.3 points per game with shooting percentages of 31.3% overall and 28.1% from beyond the arc.
James also spent time honing his skills in the G League, impressing with averages of 18.6 points, 4.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 18 games. This period allowed him to build his confidence and refine his game.
Reflecting on his first season, James shared,
“Last year it was a crazy environment for me to step in and produce right off the rip, like being nervous too.”
He expressed optimism about his development, stating,
“So, 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 determined to expand his role with the Lakers in the upcoming season. Having gained a foothold in NBA play, he has focused throughout the offseason on improving his all-around performance, aiming to be ready for any responsibility the team requires.
He added,
“It’s definitely some more excitement than nervousness, for sure. 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’s Efforts to Build on a Challenging Rookie Season
Dalton Knecht, who did participate in the Lakers’ Summer League opener, is a first-round pick eager to continue his progress. During his rookie year, Knecht averaged 9.1 points in about 19.2 minutes per game and made 37.6% of his three-point attempts.
Knecht experienced an eventful year, including a brief trade involving Mark Williams that was reversed after Williams failed his physical examination. Despite these distractions, Knecht has remained focused on his development and training.
Describing his offseason routine, Knecht said,
“Right after the [playoff] loss, I pretty much started right away. Didn’t take much time off. 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.”
Upcoming Games and Lakers Summer League Outlook
The Lakers are set to play three games at the California Classic before traveling to Las Vegas to continue their Summer League pursuit. Their first matchup in Las Vegas is scheduled against the Dallas Mavericks, who boast the No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Following Saturday’s game, the Lakers return to the California Classic Sunday to face off against the Miami Heat. These outings will provide further opportunities for prospects like James, Knecht, and others to demonstrate growth and adapt to their roles with the team.
The decision to sideline Bronny James in the opener has stirred speculation about his future with the Lakers and the organization’s plans for him amid swirling trade rumors linked to LeBron James. As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will remain on how the young players perform and how roster decisions evolve in this period of transition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Bronny James a good basketball player?
A. Bronny scores 17.4 points per game on average in 16 games with the South Bay Lakers. His three-point shooting percentage is 31%.
He also records 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 30 minutes each game. This scoring average is higher than what he achieved in college or high school.
Q. Is Bronny James 2K rating?
A. In NBA 2K25, Bronny James has a 2K Overall Rating of 68, featuring a Rim Attacker playing style. His standout quality in the game is his athleticism.
Q. Was Bronny James 5 star?
A. Bronny James was highly rated as a top player and was an important part of USC’s new group of recruits.