Matchup, date revealed for Bronny James' NBA Summer League debut with Lakers
Bronny James had his NBA dreams come true on Thursday night, when the Los Angeles Lakers decided to pick him in the second round of the draft with the No. 55 overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. He’ll be one of the most scrutinized second round picks in league history, no doubt about it. And fans are pumped to watch him make his debut in the NBA Summer League. Shortly after the draft, ESPN released the date and matchup for Bronny James’ first game in the Summer League.
His NBA Summer League debut will be on June 12th, when the Lakers face off against the Houston Rockets. That one will be televised on ESPN+ at 7:30 PM EST.
More on Bronny James’ basketball career
James joins the Lakers following just one season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his 19.4 minutes per game during his true freshman year. Primarily coming off of the bench for the Trojans with just six starts and three games in double figures last college basketball season.
James played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, Los Angeles (CA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle and the No. 6 ranked point guard, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
His college career got off to a frightening start after suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest in early July during one of USC’s offseason workouts. But he eventually worked himself back to full strength after missing the first eight games of the season, shooting 36.6% from the field in his 25 games as a two-way role player for the Trojans.
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It’s no secret that James’ production and lack of starting experience at the college level represent that of an NBA Draft selection. But with his father previously expressing the desire to eventually play alongside his son in the NBA, the two now become the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team.
What NBA Draft experts are saying about Bronny James
At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds James does not have the typical size of a guard in the NBA, which could give him trouble on both ends of the floor at the next level. But at the NBA Combine, he did display impressive athleticism and shooting ability. With most evaluators viewing James as a potential 3-and-D player at the NBA level who may need further development in the NBA G League.
“James excels in catch-and-shoot situations and shows great energy and instincts on defense,” read RotoWire‘s profile on James. “At 6-foot-2, he lacks size at the NBA level, but his athleticism is considered elite. James can handle the ball and is a willing passer but isn’t a true point guard.”
On3’s Kaiden Smith also contributed to this article.