Time: 2024-07-13
The 2024 NBA Summer League kicked off in Las Vegas on Friday , with the Los Angeles Lakers , led by Bronny James , looking for their first win . However , they were dealt a tough 99 - 80 loss by the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center . Despite the loss , James had a standout performance with eight points , showcasing his potential as a rising star.
While the Lakers suffered their fourth consecutive loss in the summer league , first - round pick Dalton Knecht continued to impress with a game - high 25 points . On the other side , Reed Sheppard , the No . 3 overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft , and 2023 first - round pick Cam Whitmore combined for 43 points for the Rockets . The game highlighted the young talent on both teams and set the stage for an exciting summer league ahead.
The game saw back - and - forth action , with the Rockets ultimately coming out on top with a 99 - 80 victory . Despite the loss , the Lakers showed resilience , with Dalton Knecht leading the team in scoring . The matchup also featured impressive performances from Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore , showcasing the depth of talent in the summer league.
As the Las Vegas Summer League kicks off , several key storylines are emerging . The matchup between the top picks from the 2024 NBA Draft , Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr , is generating significant buzz . Additionally , all eyes are on Bronny James as he looks to bounce back from a slow start in the summer league . Players like Zach Edey are also making waves with strong performances , highlighting the potential for breakout stars in the summer league.
Overall , the Lakers ' loss to the Rockets marks the beginning of an exciting journey for young talents like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht in the NBA Summer League . With promising performances and intriguing storylines unfolding , basketball fans can look forward to an action - packed summer of competitive play and emerging stars.