“Bronny James and Lakers Stumble in NBA Summer League Opener Against Rockets: Game Recap and Highlights”
The NBA Summer League 2024 tipped off in Las Vegas on Friday with an intense matchup featuring Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center. Despite a spirited effort, the Lakers fell short, absorbing a 99-80 defeat, extending their winless streak to four games this summer, including their previous three losses at the California Classic Summer League.
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Lakers
Bronny James, aiming to ignite his team, displayed one of his most impressive performances of the summer, notching a team-high eight points on 3-of-14 shooting for the night. Despite his efforts, the Rockets maintained control throughout the game, bolstered by strong performances from their top picks.
Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round selection, continued to shine with his second consecutive game scoring over 20 points. The former Tennessee standout contributed a game-high 25 points on efficient shooting, including 15 points from beyond the arc, showcasing his sharpshooting abilities.
Meanwhile, the Rockets were led by Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and Cam Whitmore, MVP of the 2023 NBA Summer League. Together, they combined for 43 points on 17-of-34 shooting, demonstrating their potency on the court.
