The Los Angeles Lakers rookies will be showcased in full force at the NBA Summer League.
According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, both Dalton Knecht and Bronny James are included in the summer league roster. Head coach JJ Redick will not be coaching the squad but will have a behind-the-scenes role. Knecht was selected as the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, while James was picked at No. 55. This upcoming summer league will mark their debut in Lakers uniforms.
James, notably the son of Lakers star LeBron James, is expected to draw considerable attention due to his father’s legacy and the extensive media coverage surrounding his draft journey. He is likely to sign a multiyear rookie contract with the franchise soon and will begin his professional career alongside his father, a 20-time All-Star. Statistically, James faces a challenging transition to the NBA, having averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 25 games during his freshman season at USC, with only six starts for the Trojans, who finished 15-18.
The summer league will serve as a crucial period for James to adapt to the professional level and assess his abilities against other young talents. Knecht, coming off an impressive season at Tennessee where he averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists and was named SEC Player of the Year, will also use this opportunity to prepare for a potentially significant role with the Lakers.
The Lakers’ summer league campaign kicks off on July 6 at the California Classic, with their first matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
