The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that their newly drafted rookies, Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, will be taking part in the upcoming California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League games. This exciting news came to light during the team's introductory press conferences held on Tuesday.

The California Classic, set to take place in San Francisco, will see the Lakers face off against the Sacramento Kings on July 6, the Golden State Warriors on July 7, and the Miami Heat on July 10. This series of games will provide an excellent opportunity for James and Knecht to showcase their skills on a competitive stage.

It was JJ Redick who confirmed their participation in the Summer League, a common occurrence for rookie players. However, considering the current state of flux within the Lakers organization, it is noteworthy that the young talents will have an early chance to play organized basketball.

With the Summer League rapidly approaching, the question arose as to who would be coaching the Lakers team. Redick clarified that although he would be heavily involved in practices, he would not take on the coaching role. Instead, Dane Johnson, who previously coached the South Bay Lakers, the G-League affiliate, has been entrusted with leading the Summer League Lakers.

While Johnson's coaching record of 18-16 with the South Bay Lakers may not be exemplary, it is important to note that at this level, player development takes precedence over wins and losses. Johnson has experience working with young players like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Colin Castleton, and now he aims to assist in the development of James and Knecht during these crucial summer moments.

Although Summer League basketball does not equate to NBA-level competition, it provides a stepping stone for these rookies to hone their skills and gain valuable experience. The limited playing time that James and Knecht had in college makes these upcoming games all the more important, as they seek to prove their readiness to contribute to the Lakers' main team when the regular season begins.

The inclusion of James, who missed a significant amount of time due to a cardiac arrest and only played 25 games, further emphasizes the significance of the Summer League for his development. Likewise, Knecht, who spent just one season playing Division 1 basketball at Tennessee as a fifth-year senior, will benefit from the additional court time.

While the Lakers have yet to finalize other assistant coaches for Redick's staff, the expertise of Johnson in working with young players is reassuring. As the Summer League approaches, Lakers fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the growth and progress of their promising rookies as they take their first steps towards a potential NBA career.