San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images/Getty Images
There’s little normal about the frenzy surrounding Bronny James as he begins his professional career. An odd gift embodied the 19-year-old’s atypical experience entering the NBA.
James delivered another solid Summer League showing Thursday night. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie went 5-of-10 for 13 points with five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a 93-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He left Thomas & Mack Center with more than just pride from a positive outing.
Via Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, James received a rug of himself after the game. He showed appreciation for the gift and posed for photos with fans inside the stadium tunnel.
People on social media still questioned the curious present.
“What is happening,” Action Network’s Matt Moore asked.
“Walks into his house and sees what it looks like when he takes a charge,” a fan joked.
“Crazy pressure on the kid his whole life,” a fan said.
“His friends group chat has to be the funniest place on earth [right now],” The Ringer’s Seerat Sohi speculated.
Bronny James was gifted this insane rug of himself at Summer League after the Lakers win 🔥
(cia @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/T848EQnzfo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 19, 2024
Unlike the rug, James hasn’t let anyone step over him in his last two games.
The No. 55 pick has recovered from a sluggish start with better shooting performances in back-to-back victories. He snapped a dubious streak of 15 missed three-pointers when draining two among his 12 points on Wednesday.
While preparing for the Summer Olympics, Lakers star LeBron James discussed his son’s development.
“The most important thing for him is to continue to get better and better every day,” LeBron said, via TalkSport’s Brian T. Smith. “Games, practices, film sessions, during his individual workouts. He’s 19 years old, so he has so much room to grow. He has so much more to learn, but the best thing is he just keeps his head down and just stays focused, the work will pay off.”
Related: Bronny James Won A $10,000 Video Game Tournament At Summer League