"Looked like a pro": Chet Holmgren heaps praise on Bronny James' improved performance in Lakers win vs Cavaliers
Chet Holmgren heaped praise on Bronny James after the LA Lakers rookie showcased another improved performance in the team's 93-89 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday (July 18). Bronny propped up 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the win with solid play on both ends of the floor in the fourth quarter as LA recorded their second win on the bounce.
The OKC Thunder center was one of the many tuning in to watch the Summer League and took to X formerly known as "Twitter" to share his two cents on the 19-year-old's performance.
"Looked like a pro"
James started well on offense like he did against the Hawks, and ended with eight points in the first half. He nailed a layup and a dare-to-shoot three in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to help LA pull away with their slender lead.
Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren will be keen to get started on the new season as he finds new teammates in Alex Caruso and Isiah Hartenstein — two massive acquisitions by the Thunder in free agency.
Chet Holmgren comes off an impressive season with the OKC Thunder
Chet Holmgren was part of the young and dynamic OKC Thunder outfit that made the Western Conference semifinals in the 2024 NBA playoffs. The campaign also marked their first postseason appearance after 2020. Along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams, Holmgren proved to be a force with his two-way play.
The second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft had a solid year, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game as he shot 53.0% from the field and 37.0% from the deep in 82 contests.
As for Bronny, the No. 55 pick in this year's draft class has been under constant scrutiny for his performances in the California Classic and the first couple of games at the Las Vegas Summer League. Last season, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc in 28 appearances for the Trojans.
Now, as both players enter the 2024-25 season, Chet Holmgren will be in his second season in the league, while Bronny will toggle between the G League and the side. The Thunder on paper look like a side ready for another deep playoff run while much depends on the Lakers' star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to see where they reach.