It could be solely 4 video games into Bronny James’ skilled profession, however he’s already receiving applause from a number of the NBA’s finest.
On the heels of a 13-point efficiency towards the Cleveland Cavaliers through which he added 5 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, James was lauded on X by Thunder middle Chet Holmgren.
“Regarded like a complete professional” Holmgren wrote in response to a tweet summarizing James’ outing.
James, who performed only one 12 months with USC earlier than getting into the NBA draft, churned out a number of highlights from the sport, together with a slick step-back 3.
The fifty fifth total choice has been up and down all through his restricted Summer season League tenure, though he’s now stacked two encouraging video games in a row.
On Wednesday towards the Hawks, James totaled 12 factors, one rebound and one steal.
Throughout his first two video games, James mustered solely 10 factors on 3-of-19 capturing.
Throughout James’ second Summer season League sport towards the Boston Celtics, star ahead Jaylen Brown was revealed to seemingly rip James and his skillset.
Whereas Brown later clarified his remarks on social media, the ripple results of his perceived opinion carried over into Thursday.
When requested by a fan if he was clapping again at Brown when praising James, Holmgren responded “No.”
The 22-year-old middle beforehand leveraged his personal Summer season League play into a wonderful rookie season through which he tallied 16.5 factors, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a pair of.3 blocks per sport, ending second in Rookie of the 12 months voting behind Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Holmgrem shaped a vaunted trio with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in Oklahoma Metropolis, propelling the Thunder to the most effective file within the Western Convention earlier than being eradicated by the Mavericks within the second spherical of the playoffs.
Previous to his first wholesome 12 months, Holmgren — who was sidelined for all of 2022-23 as a result of a damaged foot — performed in two Summer season League matchups, averaging 20.5 factors, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and three.5 blocks per sport.
James and the Summer season League Lakers will subsequent battle first-round decide Matas Buzelis and the Bulls on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.