In his highly anticipated NBA summer league debut, Lakers second-round draft pick Bronny James took his first step toward shedding the nepotism draft label. With many naysayers' expectations for his first game shaped by skepticism surrounding his drafting, he proved them right on paper, at least for one game.
For the most part, James contributed with his energy and defensive skills, finishing with one steal. At times, he was caught flat-footed and off balance, still trying to find his footing at the NBA level. James spent much of the game hovering beyond the three-point line, waiting for catch-and-shoot opportunities. After scoring his first basket, he became more comfortable taking shots and driving to the basket.