Bronny James Summer League high 17 point performance not enough as Lakers fall to Clippers

LAS VEGAS — It was not a high-scoring performance for either the Lakers or Clippers on Monday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, but it was Bronny James who took the spotlight, having his best outing in Summer League play this year despite the Lakers’ loss.

James’s efforts were not enough as the Clippers edged the Lakers by a final score of 67-58. 

The 20-year-old James was the leading scorer for Los Angeles, scoring 17 points on 6-10 shooting. He went 3-5 from beyond the arc and also recorded five assists and five rebounds in 24 minutes played. 

This is the third time this summer that James has eclipsed the 10-point mark, scoring 10 points against the Miami Heat on July 6, and scoring a then Summer League high 14 points against the New Orleans Pelicans on July 12. 

Christian Koloko had a decent showing on defense Monday night, snagging three boards, three steals, and three blocks. Dalton Knecht, on the other hand, was struggling on the floor, only scoring eight points on a poor 3-15 on field goal attempts. 

The Clippers maintained control in both the first and second quarters, led by small forward Jordan Miller. By the end of regulation, Miller was the leading scorer for Los Angeles, scoring 19 points on 7-11 shooting, along with snagging seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. 

It was evident early that James was going to have a great gam as he was perfect from the floor by the end of the first half, notching 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.  

The second half of this game was a struggle on offense for both Los Angeles teams, with the Lakers shooting 33% from the floor and the Clippers shooting 40%. It would be the Clippers that would end the scoring deficit in the fourth, as they would go on a 7-0 run in the quarter, and Miller would score the final four points to put the Lakers to bed. 

With this loss, the Lakers fall to 1-2 in Summer League play, while the Clippers remain undefeated. Los Angeles will have another chance to get back in the win column on Thursday, July 17, as they face the Boston Celtics.