Bronny James feels 'in a bit of a slump right now' after his poor performance

Bronny James' first appearance in the purple and gold jersey was amazing, especially when he made his Summer League debut in Las Vegas this past weekend. The Lakers lost against the Rockets 99-80 and the 19-year-old was very accurate when shooting, despite producing a few interesting plays during the game.

“I feel like I'm in a little bit of a slump right now,” he admitted after scoring eight points on 3-for-14 against Houston. The number 55 pick in the last NBA Draft said he will accept any assignment he is given in his first campaign as a professional basketball player.

However, the young guard is open as long as he is given the opportunity to play and improve his game, even if he plays for the G League squad in the South Bay. “I'm looking forward to any basketball I play, no matter what level I play,” he stressed.

“Don't take too much stock, Summer League.”@PaulPierce34 about the early struggles of Bronny James pic.twitter.com/JnlEHz8DU1

– NEUTRAL (@uncontested) July 15, 2024

After this weekend's game in Nevada, it's hard not to make the comparison, especially since Bronny faced the Rockets' Cam Whitmore. The No. 20 pick in last year's draft finished the contest with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. As a rookie, he played 13 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League, and averaged 26.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

James Jr., on the other hand, was fouled three times that night and struggled with offense in general. After three Summer League appearances, including two California Classic clashes, the 19-year-old is down 23.1% of his total shots, and has missed every single attempt from beyond the arc.

When asked about his student's problems, Lakers league coach Dane Johnson is sure that the player has just settled into the big team and is showing hope for the future.

“Shoot, he's going to have a long career,” said Johnson, who coaches the South Bay Lakers playing in the G League. “This is just the beginning. We just keep adding [confidence], keep that in their heads. So we have a long way to go. “I don't know that yet, so I can't comment on that,” Johnson said. “But I think all of these guys are going to be in the G League at some point — they're not drafted.”

Bronny's agent has informed league teams that his client has no interest in joining another franchise on a two-man contract.

While Dalton Knecht really showed why there was so much hype around him, especially since the Draft's No. 17 leading Los Angeles with 25 points on 9-for-18 shooting (5-for-11 from 3), 6. rebounds and 4 assists against Houston, James Jr. he still has a lot to prove.

His agent Rich Paul even told ESPN that he has informed other NBA franchises that Bronny does not want to join another team on a two-way deal. “I put the word out to the teams in advance that if you plan to include Bronny, here's what you need to know: If you won't give him a real deal, we have nothing to talk about,” he said. “It's hard to get real progress with a two-way deal.”

While his offensive showing has been far from impressive, his defense is starting to look up. The rising star recorded two steals (adding to his 5 total during Summer League), and guarded Rockets rookie Reed Shepard throughout the contest.

“I've known Reed since fifth grade,” James Jr. said. regarding the appointment of number 3 of the Plan. “I know he's a shooter, so I was just trying to get in his body and stop those 3 balls from going up. I was trying to get him on the court and show my effort to the GM and the coaches.”