Bronny James Admits Hard Truth After Miserable Summer League Showing
By Cem Yolbulan
![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4980,h_2801,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/195/01j2p2qxzcekp2sj0qvv.jpg)
This has been the summer of Bronny in the NBA. After the Lakers have failed to make any moves this offseason, all eyes have been on the 55th-overall pick Bronny James. The allegations of nepotism and organizational incompetence have been dominating the airwaves despite the fact that Bronny was showing flashes of intriguing defense and feel on the offensive end.
Things, however, took a turn on Friday night.
The Lakers were run off the floor by the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas and Bronny James delivered a miserable individual performance. Finishing with eight points, five rebounds, zero assists, and three turnovers on 3/14 from the field and 0/8 from three, James struggled in all aspects of the game.
"I just feel like I'm in a little slump right now."
- Bronny James
Even on the defensive end of the ball, which has been his calling card so far, he was severely overmatched. Guarding fellow rookie Reed Sheppard for long stretches of the game, Bronny couldn't slow him down. Sheppard finished the game with 23 points and five assists on 9/17 shooting from the field.
After the game, James admitted that he was in a slump, shooting 23.1% in three Summer League games and going 0-for-12 from three. He added that he was open to playing on the Lakers G League affiliate to focus on improving his game.
"I'm just looking forward to any basketball I play -- no matter what level I'm playing at."
- Bronny James
This is a departure from what his agent Rich Paul has been telling teams before the draft. Paul was against James getting a two-way deal, allowing him to split time between the Lakers and the G League. Instead, Bronny got a guaranteed deal, a rare contract for a late second-round pick.
James being open to spending time in the G League is a positive sign for his development. He needs the playing time to work on his game and rebuild his confidence and there is a better chance he will do that with the South Bay Lakers.
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