Bronny James was erratic in his second Summer League game in a 80-76 loss to the Heat.
The No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft played 29 minutes and only had three points on 1-of-3 shooting alongside three assists and two turnovers.
It was similar to James’ first game offensively, in which he scored four points in 21 minutes.
Despite struggling to make an impact on offense, the 19-year-old was second on the team with a plus-8 rating, thanks largely to his defensive efforts.
He added five rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, multiple scouting reports highlighted James as a prolific defender.
The array of projections noted that he is an “engaged defensively, physical on-ball defender,” which allows him to wreak havoc.
While none of his stats were exhilarating — unlike Lakers’ first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, who poured in 20 points with nine rebounds — the Summer League about development, and James has plenty of time to grow that part of his game.
Nonetheless, social media was quick to harp on the 19-year-old, particularly on an airball after a play was blown dead.
One X user wrote, “Lakers was playing 4 on 5. Lakers point dont even look a Bronny James as a pass option. Y’all know it’s a team within the team. Guy just running laps up and down the court.”
Fans and pundits are all keeping a close eye on James, as he is under the microscope that comes with being the son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Another rough play saw Heat guard Alondes Williams send Bronny sprawling to the floor with an ankle-breaking move.
One user wrote, “I can’t wait for Bronny James to epically fail in the nba.”
The scrutiny will only grow when he takes the court alongside LeBron, becoming the first father-son combo in the history of the NBA.
By then, James will have more reps under his belt, and he will likely turn to his dad for guidance on the hardwood.