The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their Summer League action on Saturday at the California Classic but Bronny James was not on the court.
James was in attendance for the matchup against the Golden State Warriors but was wearing street clothes. The starting lineup included Dalton Knecht, Cole Swider, Trey Jemison III, DaJuan Gordon and DJ Steward.
Some fans were upset not to see James in the lineup, questioning the decision.
“Bronny James not in the Summer League is wild,” one fan said. “He’s on the bench like he dropped 20 PPG last season.”
Another added: “I’m definitely not watching no Lakers Summer League game if Bronny not playing. I’m definitely changing the channel.”
Others took it a step further, coming up with conspiracy theories linked to LeBron James potentially being traded.
“Bronny is not that good to be skipping Summer League, so the trade rumours must be true after all,” one fan said.
The Lakers are playing three games at the California Classic before heading to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League. LA opens its slate in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Bronny James Wants to Play ‘Freely’ in Second Year
Getty ImagesBronny James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
James heads into the new season with a year of experience under his belt. He appeared in 27 games last season, starting once. He averaged 2.3 points per game on 31.3% shooting, 28.1% from three-point range.
The younger James also spent a chunk of time in the G League. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals in his 18 G League games.
“Last year it was a crazy environment for me to step in and produce right off the rip, like being nervous too,” Bronny said, per The Los Angeles Times. “So, I feel like this year, I’ll be able to go out and play freely and know what I’m gonna go out and do for me and my teammates. So, yeah, I’m just really excited to be able to play nervous-free.”
James is aiming to carve out a larger role with the Lakers this season. After getting a taste of NBA action last year, he’s spent the offseason focused on development and taking the next step in his game.
“It’s definitely some more excitement than nervousness, for sure,” James said. “I’m just ready to go out there and play and be better than I was the last time I was playing. Just having that mindset of being ready to play and ready for whatever’s thrown at me, no matter the role, what I gotta do on defense, offense, everything. Being a good teammate for my new summer league team, stuff like that.”
Dalton Knecht Building on Turbulent Rookie Year With Lakers
Getty ImagesLos Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht did suit up for the Summer League opener.
Knecht was a first-round pick of the Lakers a year ago and averaged 19.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He averaged 9.1 points and hit 37.6% of his 3-pointers.
It was an eventful year for Knecht, who was briefly traded in a deal involving Mark Williams — a move that was ultimately voided after Williams failed his physical. The situation didn’t faze Knecht, who has remained locked in on his development.
“Right after the [playoff] loss, I pretty much started right away. Didn’t take much time off,” he said. “So I was getting in the gym, starting at 6 a.m., going with the guys at 10 and then coming back later at night just to get as many shots as I can, just working on my game and my cuts.”
The Lakers will return to action at the California Classic on Sunday against the Miami Heat.
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