Bronny James did not have a Summer League game to remember in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 99-80 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
After scoring eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, including 0-of-8 from three, in 27 minutes (starts at :50 mark), James told reporters he is “in a little slump right now.”
James did contribute in other ways with five rebounds and two steals. His shooting woes have been prevalent throughout summer league.
In two California Classic games, James went 3-of-12 from the field. He has yet to hit a three-pointer on 12 attempts between California and Las Vegas.
While James can contextualize this as a slump, it’s not a surprise his shot’s not falling right now. The scouting report on him dating back to college was that he needed to work on his jumper.
B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman noted leading up to the draft that James’ scoring was going to be “highly dependent on converting in transition and making jump shots, either off the catch or one to two dribbles.”
Summer league is a time for James to iron out some of the parts of his game that may not be fully developed. He likely won’t get them all fixed in the span of two weeks, but he can at least give the Lakers reasons to be encouraged heading into training camp.
James did acknowledge after the game he is open to any assignment the Lakers might give him during his rookie season, including a potential stint in the G League.
“I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play—no matter what level I’m playing at,” James said.
James’ calling card was his defense, and he’s shown that early in his pro career. The 19-year-old has racked up four steals and three blocks in three games.
If that defensive aptitude holds early in his career, James could find a role for the Lakers as a back-of-the-bench glue guy who comes into games for a few minutes when the team is trying to hold a lead.
James’ next opportunity to break out of his shooting slump will come on Monday. The Lakers will play the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET.