Quick Bytes
- Lakers debutants Dalton Knecht and Bronny James face a tough start with a 108-94 loss to the Kings.
- Maxwell Lewis shines early, but the Lakers struggle to find cohesion in their Summer League opener.
- Despite a spirited effort, the Lakers’ comeback falls short against the Kings’ consistent scoring.
Lakers’ New Faces Endure Challenging Summer League Debut
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League campaign kicked off with a challenging game against the Sacramento Kings, resulting in a 108-94 defeat. Newcomers Dalton Knecht and Bronny James experienced a rocky start in their first outing with the team.
Despite a promising opening from 2023 second-round pick Maxwell Lewis, who scored six early points, the Lakers quickly fell behind due to a lack of on-court chemistry and missed opportunities. The Kings capitalized with an 11-0 run, and by halftime, they had established a 47-41 lead, with Knecht and James combining for a mere 2-of-13 from the field.
The Lakers showed signs of life in the second half, with Colin Castleton hitting from beyond the arc and Tommy Kuhse sparking an 8-0 run. Blake Hinson impressed with his shooting, contributing 17 points off the bench. However, the Kings’ Adonis Arms led his team with consistent scoring, thwarting any Lakers’ comeback attempts.
Despite the loss, there were positive performances from the Lakers’ bench, with Kuhse and Lewis contributing significantly. The team looks to regroup and improve their synergy as they face the Golden State Warriors in their next Summer League matchup.
