Hot Takes on Lakers’ Bronny James, Dalton Knecht vs. Cavaliers with DJ Burns Out
Julia StumbaughJuly 19, 2024
Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
Both Los Angeles Lakers selections from the 2024 NBA Draft joined the rotation for a Thursday night Summer League win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bronny James recorded 13 points, while Dalton Knecht led the team with 20, as both rookies put up clutch performances in the 93-89 victory.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest takes of the night surrounding the newest additions to the Lakers’ roster.
James shows up in the clutch
James hit a step-back three late in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers close a late deficit to the Cavaliers.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportBronny hits the 3 late in game 🔥
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/FwWNlDHn3t
Kori J @KoriJNBABronny got that clutch gene
🐺Still Ro🐺 @RoSoulo2 nights in a row Bronny gets 2 clutch defensive stops to help the team win the game
Splash @JustSplash_Bronny hitting clutch 3s in back to back games oh wow would you look at that
Fans thought James overall looked more comfortable Thursday night than in his earlier Summer League performances.
ESPN @espnBronny lost him with the fake 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/TOpEd3dyPH
Ryan @KellzNCaLiAnother good game by Bronny! Good job man!! You can see him getting more comfortable. He’s gonna be fine.
JB @BrockJaybeeBronny can play for sure jus gotta continue to be comfortable n loose
𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 @SixthManJakeSay what you will about Bronny but he’s already been better and more comfortable in the nba than in college and that’s crazy…
James entered Thursday night on a hot streak following his best Summer League performance yet, during which he registered 12 points in Wednesday win over the Atlanta Hawks.
He followed that up with another double-digit points total Thursday night on 5-of-10 shooting from the field.
James also went 1-for-3 from behind the arc, and 2-for-2 from the foul line, while adding five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three turnovers.
Knecht looks rotation-ready
Knecht started out Thursday’s contest with a highlight-reel dunk.
Los Angeles Lakers @LakersGET UP THEN, DALTON pic.twitter.com/plNNbWlQbr
Knecht closed out the win with two clutch free throws as he led the Lakers in points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 2-of-6 from deep, while adding seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and two turnovers.
His shooting left some fans convinced the Tennessee product is ready for a rotation spot this fall.
Aaron @GotEmCoach___Dalton Knecht falling to us at 17 gon be like CeeDee falling to Dallas at 20
Liaudwin Seaberry Jr. @LiaudwinJrDalton Knecht had better be in the rotation next season.
𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕠 @__ryfDalton Knecht could lowkey be a starter on the lakers fr
Kyle Jay @kyleoffthebenchdalton knecht is improving every game and I think he’s gonna be a big part of the Lakers rotation.
The Lakers’ Summer League schedule wraps up Saturday with an afternoon contest against No. 11 pick Matas Buzelis and the Chicago Bulls.
Cavs fans miss out on DJ Burns
Burns earned no playing time Thursday night, causing an uproar from fans hoping to see the former NC State standout compete against the Lakers.
Noa Dalzell 🏀 @NoaDalzellNBA”We Want DJ” chants breaking out here at the Thomas and Mack Arena from fans eager to see DJ Burns check in for the Cavs pic.twitter.com/kdMoFKVe7N
Burns, who is on a tryout deal with the Cavaliers, has received limited minutes while putting up efficient production in the team’s last two Summer League outings.
Fans were dissatisfied with his lack of use in the Cavaliers’ Thursday loss.
Spencer Davies @SpinDavies”We Want DJ” chants in the corner section of Thomas & Mack, followed up by a fan courtside saying, “Come on Coach, DJ Burns!” #Cavs
: ablett @Ablett30Zero DJ Burns for Cleveland? 👌 🤔 😒
Neil Kerr @kneelpdxC’mon Cleveland play some DJ Burns!
It remains to be seen if Burns will get playing time when the Cavaliers return to Summer League action Saturday against the Indiana Pacers.
