SAN FRANCISCO — Bronny James made a strong impression in his first summer league appearance, scoring 10 points in just 11 minutes to help the Lakers roll to a 103-83 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon at the Chase Center.
James, who sat out the Lakers’ previous game, wasted no time making his mark. He opened his debut with a steal and a fast-break dunk, finishing the first half 3-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-5 from three-point range, along with two rebounds and a steal. Due to a minutes restriction, he didn’t play in the second half.
The Lakers took a 13-point lead into halftime but saw the Heat go on a 10-0 run early in the third quarter. However, the Lakers quickly regained control, building the lead back to double digits and maintaining it the rest of the game.
Cole Swider led the Lakers with 20 points on efficient 7-of-10 shooting, following up his 24-point performance against the Warriors a day earlier. Darius Bazley added 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, while DJ Steward chipped in 14 points. Sir’Jabari Rice contributed 13 points along with four rebounds and four assists.
Dalton Knecht, who has struggled through the first two games, was limited to four points on 2-of-7 shooting and remains scoreless from three-point range so far in summer league play.
As a team, the Lakers shot a sizzling 57.1% from the field and got to the free-throw line 32 times, converting 23. Miami, meanwhile, shot 45.6% but managed only 14 free-throw attempts.
Miami was led by Bryson Warren’s 18 points, with Myron Gardner adding 14 and Dain Dainja chipping in 13.
The Lakers’ second-round pick, Adou Thiero, is still rehabbing a knee injury and is expected to be ready for training camp but will not play in summer league games. Undrafted rookie Eric Dixon, who recently signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, also sat out again.
The Lakers have Monday off before closing out the California Classic against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. They will then head to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, where they open against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.
Bronny James Scores 10 in First Summer Game, Lakers Cruise Past Miami
