Bronny James, Dalton Knecht to play in California Classic, Las Vegas Summer League
Bronny James and Dalton Knecht will take their talents to San Francisco and Las Vegas, where they will play with the Lakers in Summer League.
The Lakers held their introductory press conferences on Tuesday for newly drafted rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. During the conference, JJ Redick confirmed that both would participate in the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League games this summer.
Bronny James and Dalton Knecht will both participate in the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League, according to JJ Redick
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2024
Both players participating in Summer League action is no surprise, as this is often the case for rookies. However, with so much in flux with the Lakers organization, it’s important to note that they’ll be playing organized basketball very soon.
The Lakers have three games slated for the California Classic in San Francisco, playing the Sacramento Kings on Jul. 6, the Golden State Warriors on Jul. 7 and the Miami Heat on Jul. 10.
With these games happening later this week and Redick being the only official coach announced for the Lakers, the question is, who will coach this team?
Redick confirmed that while he would be “heavily involved” in practices, he would not be coaching the team; instead, Dane Johnson would be in charge of the Summer League Lakers.
JJ Redick confirms that Dane Johnson will be coaching the Lakers during the Summer League.
— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) July 2, 2024
Johnson coached the G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, last season to a record of 18-16. That record is not incredible, but at that level, it is similar to the Summer League, where it’s more about player development than wins and losses.
Even if it’s still concerning that the Lakers don’t have other assistants for Redick’s staff yet, Johnson is well-versed in working with young players and getting them NBA-ready.
He coached players like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Colin Castleton last year and will now aim to develop Bronny and Knecht during these pivotal summer moments.
While Summer League basketball is not completely NBA-level competition, it’s a step closer and these players need to get that experience. It’s a great environment to test their talent and feel some of the pressures that comes with a career in the NBA.
Given how little time players get in college, all reps are good for these Lakers rookies.
Bronny missed a lot of time due to his cardiac arrest and only played 25 games. Knecht, a fifth-year senior who only played Division 1 for one season at Tennessee, also needs time on the floor.
Thankfully, they will be playing and we can assess how close they are to being ready to contribute to the main team this fall.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.