In his highly anticipated NBA Summer League debut, Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, failed to steal the spotlight as fellow rookies Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht stole the show. The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets with a score of 99-80, and James' performance left fans hoping for more.

Despite scoring a modest eight points, grabbing four rebounds, and recording two steals, James struggled to find his rhythm on the court. He played a total of 20 minutes and managed to score only two points in the second half. Shooting 3-for-12 from the floor, including a disappointing 0-for-6 on 3-point attempts, his shooting accuracy was far from impressive.

However, James did exhibit some promising moments early on in the game. Showing aggressiveness and attacking the basket, he managed to score two baskets early on, including the Lakers' second of the game. One highlight of the game was a thunderous dunk by James that showcased his athleticism.

Unfortunately, James' performance throughout the NBA Summer League has been underwhelming. This game brought his average points per game to just five, coupled with a discouraging shooting percentage of 23%. With such a slow start, questions arose about whether James would consider a G League assignment to gain more valuable playing time and experience.

Alongside James' struggles, Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the June NBA Draft, impressed spectators with a stellar performance for the Houston Rockets. Scoring a game-high 23 points, Sheppard showcased his all-around game with four rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. His shooting accuracy, especially from beyond the arc (4-for-6 from 3-point range), was commendable.

Additionally, Cam Whitmore, the reigning Summer League MVP, contributed significantly for the Rockets with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. However, the most impressive rookie of the game once again belonged to the Lakers, as Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 overall pick out of Tennessee, dropped 25 points, including five successful shots from long range, along with six rebounds and four assists.

During the game, new Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed that the team isn't solely focused on Bronny James' scoring ability. Instead, they value his defensive contributions and want him to apply pressure to the ball. Redick compared James to defensive-minded players like Luguentz Dort and Jrue Holiday, emphasizing the importance of his defensive presence on the court.

The Lakers are set to face the Boston Celtics in their next Summer League game, scheduled for Monday night at 10:30 p.m. ET. With James still finding his footing, fans remain hopeful that he will continue to develop and contribute to the team's success in future games.