Bronny James stats, highlights: Lakers rookie drops just three points in loss to Heat

Bronny James' second outing as a professional proved a challenging affair, with the Lakers rookie showcasing the best and worst of his varied skill set.

The 19-year-old guard struggled on the offensive end, recording just three points on three shots over the course of 29 minutes.

He spread his influence in other ways, however, tallying five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks as Los Angeles fell to the Heat, 80-76.

MORE: Bronny James Summer League stats

The USC product displayed his defensive prowess on numerous occasions, flying across the perimeter to contend point guards and wings alike. His screen navigation, foot speed, and athleticism shined through as he harassed his opposition to varying degrees.

Offense was a different story, though. He appeared hesitant with the ball in his hands and tended to recede into the shadows, settling into an off-ball role while the likes of Dalton Knecht (20 points) and Maxwell Lewis (14 points) expressed themselves.

All told, it was the sort of showing James has become known for. On the defensive side of the ball, he can look a marvel. On offense, he can look a bit lost, at least when compared to his defensive efficiency.

The Sporting News tracked Bronny James' performance during Los Angeles' third game of Summer League. Below are the updates, highlights, and live results as James and the Baby Lakers took on Miami in the California Classic.

MORE: Watch Lakers vs. Heat live with Sling TV

Lakers vs. Heat live score

Bronny James at Summer League: Live stats, highlights from Lakers vs. Heat

(All times Eastern)

8:52 p.m.: James and the Lakers surrendered an eight-point advantage in the game's final moments. Miami walks out as worthy winners, 80-76

8:47 p.m.: Williams finds Sako for the slam! Miami goes up by two!

8:46 p.m.: Christopher slams one home as the Heat come all the way back to tie things up at 76. 8-0 run to get themselves back into it!

8:45 p.m.: Williams slips beyond James with quite the spin move. He then tosses a feather towards the rafter. Bottoms. Heat down by two.

8:41 p.m.: James swats away a hook shot. Unfortunately for him, it falls right into Sako's path, who sinks a dunk at the rim on the ensuing possession. It's getting tighter...

8:39 p.m.: James pitches together another impressive defensive possession, switching seamlessly before contesting an errant jumper.

8:32 p.m.: James returns to the floor after the Lakers open up a five-point advantage to start the fourth. Immediately tossed into the fire, landing awkwardly on his leg after closing out on an open shooter. He'll remain in the game, however.

End of third quarter: Heat 59, Lakers 58

8:21 p.m.: Bronny removed from the contest after a fairly fruitful spell from him on the defensive end.

8:17 p.m.: Keshad Johnson has powered Miami's comeback, climbing over the redwoods to dispatch of the ball at the rim. He's got 19 points and seven rebounds thus far. Fueled by his latest exploits, the Heat have cut LA's lead to just two.

8:15 p.m.: James continuing to show off his defensive chops, even against size. Just denied 6-foot-11 Neal Sako from establishing position under the basket. Remember folks, Bronny is "just" 6-foot-2.

8:09 p.m.: Knecht darts to the rack for a two-handed jam. He's up to a game-high 18 points so far.

8:08 p.m.: James attempted to take a charge on Pullin's step back and fell to the canvas. The ball eventually falls into the basket after Pullin's effort goes wide of the target.

8:06 p.m.: Pullin can't get the best of James in this matchup. The Miami youngster has been met at every turn by his opposite number James.

8:04 p.m.: James nets his third assist of the game, with Kahse the benefactor. The former St. Mary star sinks a triple from the wing, opening up a double-digit advantage for the Lakers in the process.

8:03 p.m.: Another impressive swipe from James, who picks the pockets of his opposite marker. The ball falls harmlessly into the hands of Lewis, who finishes with aplomb at the rim.

End of second quarter: Lakers 40, Heat 36

7:49 p.m.: It's a 9-0 run for Los Angeles here. James has played a prominent role, as well, covering a lot of ground on the defensive end while offering subtle (albeit limited) contributions with the ball in his hand. Knecht has been the big standout, finding his scoring rhythm across all three levels.

7:47 p.m.: James slithers towards the cup after a pair of crossovers. His subsequent floater attempt was a bit erratic, however, clanking off the rim badly. Solid hustle from James, however, who taps away his miss to a wide open Knecht. The former SEC Player of the Year does the rest, firing home a three as he brings his point total to 12 for the day.

7:46 p.m.: James goes 1-for-2 from the charity stripe.

7:45 p.m.: James makes a solid backdoor cut before attempting to sink his layup through contact. His effort missed the mark. But he's headed to the free throw line.

7:44 p.m.: James' three-point attempt from the wing rims in-and-out. A quality look from the former USC guard.

7:42 p.m.: James rips the ball away from Bryson Warren, bringing the ball down the floor before dishing the Florida product Castleton who was fouled attempting to finish off the fast break.

You can’t teach Bronny’s defensive instincts… just an absolute MENACE as a defender 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xnS20rqu9t

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 10, 2024

7:41 p.m.: James attempts to line up a three-pointer. however, he stepped on the sideline before firing up the shot.

7:39 p.m.: Another impressive defensive play by James, who deflects Williams' pass. Lewis eventually corrals the errant attempt, tossing a lob to Castleton to cut in Miami's lead.

7:36 p.m.: James plucks Zyon Pullin to set up a Maxwell Lewis trip to the free throw line. Just like that, it's Los Angeles with the scoring outburst: the Lakers have scored seven unanswered.

7:34 p.m.: James returns to the floor and immediately records a turnover after attempting to float a lob to Colin Castleton.

7:32 p.m.: Heat start the second with a 10-0 run, fueled by former first-rounder Josh Christopher. James hasn't been on the floor for any of it, for what it's worth.

End of first quarter: Lakers 21, Heat 21

7:23 p.m.: Hasn't been the most prolific display for James today. The same can't be said about Knecht, who is 2-for-3 from three and already has 10 points in this one.

7:17 p.m.: Steady stream of Alondes Williams today. The Wake Forest product has came to play, constantly finding butter with his shot attempts. He's got eight points in seven minutes. And he's bringing the Heat ever so slightly closer to their California adversary.

7:16 p.m.: James tumbles to the hardwood as he records his first turnover of the contest. He'll stroll to the bench after his giveaway.

7:15 p.m.: Lots of off-ball play for James early. 

7:11 p.m.: Decent screen navigation by James early. Defense is his calling call, after all. Did get displaced as Bryson Warren sank a mid-range jumper over his outstretched grasp, however.

7:08 p.m.: Reverse layup falls for James as he opens his scoring day with a basket in transition.

Bronny James finishes the reverse off the dish from Dalton Knecht 🔥

Lakers '24 draft class connection 🤝

LAL-MIA | California Classic on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/gnAk3y1ghB

— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2024

7:05 p.m.: And the ball is tipped off! Away we go!

6:05 p.m.: After sitting out Los Angeles' last game with a sore knee, it looks like Bronny is back with the Summer League squad. He'll be starting tonight's contest, too.

Tonight’s starters

Tommy Kuhse
Bronny James Jr.
Dalton Knecht
Maxwell Lewis
Colin Castleton

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 10, 2024

What channel is Lakers vs. Heat on?

• Date: Wednesday, July 10
• TV channel: ESPN 2
• Live streaming: ESPN+, Sling TV

Lakers vs. Warriors will be aired on ESPN 2.

Cord-cutters in the U.S. can also find the game on ESPN+ or Sling TV, which will carry all NBA Summer League contests — as well as a wide variety of other sports — at a starting price of just $15 during the first month with Sling Orange.

What time is Lakers vs. Heat tonight?

• Date: Wednesday, July 10
• Time: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT

Lakers vs. Warriors will tip off around 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 10. The game will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Lakers' NBA Summer League schedule

Here is the Lakers' complete schedule for the California Classic and NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas:

Lakers' NBA Summer League roster

Here is the Lakers' complete roster for the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League: