Bronny James struggled in the NBA Summer League for the Los Angeles Lakers as a rookie, but that’s not been the case as a sophomore. James has been one of the best players for the 1-2 Lakers in Las Vegas and has even managed to outshine Dalton Knecht.
James, the 55th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, has averaged 13.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in the NBA Summer League. He has shot a respectable 44.8% from the field, but the outside shot still isn’t quite falling, as he is at 31.3% from three.
James put in his best performance last time out against the Los Angeles Clippers, recording 17 points (6-10 FG), five rebounds, and five assists. The 20-year-old looked in control and was the best player on both ends of the floor for the Lakers.
Bronny James Highlights vs Clippers :
17 Points
6-10 FG
3-5 3PT
5 Rebounds
5 Assists
+5 +/-
Bronny was easily the best player on both ends for the Lakers tonight. When he comes off the floor the Lakers Summer League team, they just look really bad. And as soon as he is… pic.twitter.com/e9BT0OxqqZ
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) July 15, 2025
It’s incredible to see just how much James has progressed in a year. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in the NBA 2K25 Summer League last year while shooting 35.0% from the field and 15.8% from beyond the arc.
Those performances led to questions being asked about whether James truly belonged at this level. The Lakers were criticized for selecting him, but he is starting to silence some of his doubters now.
James is never going to become a superstar, but he is showing he has the potential to be a solid two-way player in the NBA one day. He is already a pest defensively, but needs to improve his shooting and his offensive game in general.
While shooting was always a question mark for James, that was never the case with Knecht. That outside shot has deserted the 24-year-old in the NBA Summer League, though.
Knecht is averaging 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in Las Vegas while shooting 29.0% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc. You’d never have expected him to put up these numbers after seeing how well he played last year.
Knecht averaged 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in the NBA 2K25 Summer League. He was being talked about as the biggest steal of the 2024 NBA Draft (17th pick), but has now seemingly taken a step back.
James and Knecht are trending in opposite directions at the moment, and here’s hoping the latter is able to turn things around eventually.
LeBron James’ Message For Bronny James
LeBron James has been in attendance for a couple of Bronny’s games, and he has been impressed by what he has seen from his son. After that game against the Clippers, LeBron sent a message on Instagram.
“Keep going, kid! Only you know your personal legend!”
LeBron would certainly be proud of how much his son has improved. James stated that the game is starting to slow down for him, and he is getting more comfortable with time. That’s exactly what you want to hear from a player entering their second season.
It’s still unlikely that James is going to be a part of the rotation for the Lakers in 2024-25. He needs to progress more on the offensive end in order to get significant minutes in the NBA for a team that aspires to compete for a championship.
For now, though, James’ focus will be on the Summer League, and he’ll be in action next when the Lakers take on the Boston Celtics at Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday at 9 PM ET.
