The Los Angeles Lakers rookies will be on full display at the NBA Summer League.
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported that both Dalton Knecht and Bronny James are on the summer-league roster and that new head coach JJ Redick will not coach the squad but will be privately involved.
Dan Woike @DanWoikeSportsJJ Redick says South Bay Lakers coach Dane Johnson will be coaching the Lakers summer league teams in Sacramento and Vegas. Redick says he'll be heavily involved. Both Knecht and Bronny James will play in Sac and Vegas
Jovan Buha @jovanbuhaHere's the Lakers' official 2024 summer league roster and schedule: <a href="">
The Lakers selected Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA draft and took James at No. 55. The summer league will be the first time fans get to see the duo in Lakers uniforms.
James, who is notably the son of Lakers star LeBron James, will have a highly anticipated debut due to the ties to his father as well as the significant coverage his draft saga garnered. He will likely soon sign a multiyear rookie contract with the franchise and will prepare to begin his career alongside his 20-time All-Star father.
Statistically, James should have a tough transition to the NBA. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 25 games during his freshman season at USC. He only made six starts for the 15-18 Trojans, and now he will have to up his game to the professional level.
The summer league will be an excellent transitional period for him and will allow him to gauge his ability against fellow young players. Knecht will also benefit from this time as he prepares to take on a significant role with the Lakers.
He averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 36 games for Tennessee in 2023-24 and was named the SEC Player of the Year. The 23-year-old brings some experience to the table and will look to make a case for a bid into the Lakers starting lineup or a top reserve role in 2024-25.
The Lakers' summer-league season will begin July 6 at the California Classic. Los Angeles' first game will be against the Sacramento Kings.