Hyperbole isn't necessary when discussing the attention that Bronny James has brought to Summer League action. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie has taken center stage at every turn, creating an electric viewing experience at home and in person.
After struggling through most of the Lakers' first five games at Summer League, James is beginning to put the pieces together and silence his critics.
With star rookie Dalton Knecht out of the lineup, James stepped up and helped Colin Castleton lead the Lakers to their first Summer League win. James finished with 12 points and a steal in 24 minutes, shooting 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
The next time out, James took his game to another level by filling the stat sheet with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a three-point field goal made. It was easily his best Summer League performance to date—and it inevitably elicited a divided reaction.
In what was a clear response to a controversial Jaylen Brown comment, Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren came to James' defense.
Looked like a pro
— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) July 19, 2024
It's a quality endorsement from a player who faced their share of criticism coming into the NBA Draft, as well.
Chet Holmgren scoffs at criticism, endorses Bronny James as a pro
When Holmgren declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, he was met with constant criticism over his thin frame. Despite standing at 7'1" with a 7'6" wingspan and a guard-like skill set, many opposed his selection at No. 2 overall.
Perhaps that's informed Holmgren's opinion that labeling a player a failure before they have a chance to even play an NBA game is at least somewhat irrational.
Clearly, there's a valid reason to explore a player's strengths and weaknesses before they debut. Failing to do so would lead teams to make horrible decisions at the NBA Draft, and it's understandable for fans or players to have thoughts of their own.
Writing a player off before they have a chance to even try to disprove the critics, however, has become an increasingly more common trend.
James hasn't proven his critics wrong or right up to this point, but he's clearly capable of more than what he showed in his first few Summer League games. He's bounced back with two strong performances, during which he's created off the bounce for himself and others.
James has also played with intensity on the defensive end of the floor throughout Summer League, which is the trademark of his game.
Furthermore, James was drafted at No. 55 overall—a spot at which zero All-Stars have ever been selected. As such, while battling historically inaccurate expectations could doom him to fail in the eyes of his critics, it won't determine the actual outcome of his career.
It's an unenvious situation for James to find himself in, but he's taking it in stride and turning in his best performances since high school. Holmgren took notice.