Bronny James made his much-awaited NBA debut Saturday, but things got off to a slow start. The rookie scored just four points in his first Summer League action, as the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Sacramento Kings 108-94 in the California Classic.
James played 21 minutes in the loss, adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal. However, he shot 2-of-9 from the field, going 0-of-3 from deep and missing both of his free-throw attempts.
James earned his first NBA points with a layup in the second quarter and earned more with a well-placed midrange stepback.
James’ father, LeBron James, was at camp as part of the Team USA basketball roster and was not able to attend the game in person. However, LeBron showed support for his oldest son from afar, watching a clip of Bronny scoring his first points soon after the ball went in the net, praising his kid for being “tough.”
Kings guard Adonis Arms, who went undrafted in 2022 but has played in the G League for two seasons, dominated the game with 32 points and 11 rebounds for Sacramento, with guard Antoine Davis pitching in 20 points off the bench.
Forward Blake Hinson led the Lakers, scoring 17 off the bench and going 5-of-7 on 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Los Angeles guard Tommy Kuhse pitched in 15 points and 8 assists from the bench as well, while center Colin Castleton added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Although Saturday marked Bronny’s’ first time stepping on the court in a Lakers uniform, it’s unlikely to be his last, regardless of his stats this summer. The new Lakers No. 9 signed a multi-year guaranteed contract last week, locking down the four-year, $7.9 million deal on Wednesday.