After a remarkable professional debut with the Lakers over the weekend, Brawny James wasted no time in making his mark as he transitioned to a starting role with the Clippers.
Distinguishing himself by donning the No.
9 jersey, a departure from his father LeBron James’ former No.
6 before switching to No.
23, the younger James was plucked by Los Angeles from USC as the 55th overall pick in the NBA draft’s second round.
Despite a challenging start, where he went 2-for-9 from the field and missed all three of his three-point attempts, James also showcased his versatility with two assists, two rebounds, and a steal.
Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough to steer the Lakers to victory, as they succumbed to the Sacramento Kings 108-94 in the Summer League.
In his initial six minutes on the court, James struggled to find his rhythm, missing a crucial 21-foot jump shot shortly after securing a defensive rebound.
His woes continued as he failed to convert a 26-foot three-point attempt towards the end of the first quarter, prompting a brief respite.
Reflecting on his performance, James candidly admitted to experiencing pre-game jitters, a sensation that dissipates once he immerses himself in the game.
Embracing the nerves as a constant companion, he remains steadfast in his determination to overcome them.
Upon reentering the game in the second quarter, James was met with a thunderous standing ovation and resounding cheers from the crowd.
It was with just under six minutes remaining before halftime that he notched his first NBA points with a driving layup, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Despite being fouled twice at the charity stripe midway through the third quarter, the 6-foot-2-inch guard exhibited composure reminiscent of his father, adopting the familiar stance of hands on hips during warm-ups.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Summer League clash between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, James is poised to seize another opportunity to showcase his skills.
The Summer League serves as a platform for teams to evaluate emerging talents, free agents, and bench players during the off-season.
As aspirations align for a potential future where both 19-year-old LeBron James and his father grace the same NBA team, the younger James continues to carve his own path following a health scare last year that revealed a congenital heart anomaly.
Securing a lucrative $7.9 million, 4-year contract this month, James is poised to make waves in the league.
While Dalton Connect, the Lakers’ first-round draft pick this year, impressed with a 12-point display, it was Adonis Arms of the Kings who stole the show with a commanding 32-point performance.