Lakers rookies shining in Summer League
The Lakers returned to the Thomas & Mack Center floor just 24 hours after collecting their first win of the summer against the Hawks. They faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a close matchup.
I was fortunate enough to attend the game in person in Las Vegas, so here is my recap and “eye test” results.
The show started before the game tipped off, as the Lakers received a huge ovation from the crowd upon entering the court, especially once Bronny James was spotted. The Lakers may have been listed as the designated “road team,” but the crowd was as pro-Lakers as you’d see at Crypto.com Arena.
The Purple and Gold were still riding the momentum they had gained from their win the previous night, which sparked a great start in the first quarter.
Both Lakers 2024 draft picks, Dalton Knecht and James, contributed early by hitting a couple of first-quarter shots, with Knecht benefiting from having the night off against the Hawks. Colin Castleton also contributed early in the paint and on the glass.
Dalton Knecht has been quietly putting on a show for the Lakers ⭐️
Last 4 games:
20 PTS | 7 REB | 1 AST
19 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST
25 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST
20 PTS | 9 REB | 1 AST pic.twitter.com/VBVf7IZHvh— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 19, 2024
Defensively, Bronny James was given the assignment of former top prospect Emoni Bates. Despite giving up some height and length, James kept Bates in check after the Cavs forward collected an early five points.
The Lakers hit their first bump in the road in the second quarter. The second unit gave the Cavs a lot of space on offense, leading to penetration and easy buckets. The bench group also looked rushed offensively, causing some ill-advised shots.
The Cavs outscored the LakeShow by eight in the second quarter and went into the half in the lead.
The Cavs continued to take control to start the third quarter and grew the lead to double digits by the middle of the frame. However, the second unit made up for their performance in the second quarter, cutting the lead by more than half at the end of the third.
The comeback was led by Armel Traore, who was active on both ends and finished the game with ten points and six rebounds in just 13 minutes.
LET BRONNY COOK 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/lmAvsmm24z
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 19, 2024
The bench unit eventually tied the game with 6:50 left, and it was up to the starters to finish the job. After a couple of nice offensive sequences, including a step-back three and layup from Bronny James, the game was tied again at 89-89 with 2:30 left.
The Lakers’ defense would step up the rest of the way, not allowing the Cavs to get a single point. They forced Emoni Bates into some tough shots that knocked him out of rhythm after his hot start to the game.
Knecht scored the final four points of the game, all at the charity stripe, and the Lakers secured their second win in as many nights in Vegas.
Knecht led the team in scoring with 20 points. James provided a summer-high 13 points, and Maxwell Lewis and Colin Castleton joined Traore as double-digit scorers.
The Cavs were led by Jaylon Tyson, who finished just one assist shy of a 21-point, 11-rebound triple-double.
The Lakers’ next game is on NBATV on Saturday at 4 PM PST against the Chicago Bulls.
