Summer nights might be great in Vegas, but for Bronny James it has been anything but that. After three outings in the Summer League, Bronny has yet to score. On Friday night, Bronny and the Lakers suffered another loss, this time courtesy of Bronny’s childhood friend.

Against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers lost 80-99. But unlike Bronny, their draft pick grabbed the opportunity by the scruff of the neck. Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in the draft, dominated the game, something Bronny expected given his childhood ties with the Rockets rookie.

Bronny spent most of the game guarding Reed Sheppard, but the Rockets rookie managed to drop 23 points on him. “I’ve known Reed since fifth grade. I know he’s a shooter, so I was just trying to get in his body and prevent those 3-balls from going up. I was trying to pick him up full court and showing my effort to the GM and coaches,” James Jr. said after the game. But that didn’t go well, as Rob Pelinka was seen shaking his head after witnessing the lackluster performance.

“I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play — no matter what level I’m playing at,” Bronny added. Now these words right here have significance. “No matter what level,” means he is alluding to the G-League if he doesn’t find himself a spot in the roster. That he has for now, but as the summer progresses, things can change.

Closer look at Bronny James’ Summer League performance

One thing impressive about Bronny James is his ability to provide an honest assessment. He did not hesitate to acknowledge his shortcomings and said, “I just feel like I’m in a little slump right now.” That is spot on and after 3 games Bronny James played so far, his points tally stands at 15 with 8 points coming in the Lakers vs Rockets game. This was not something anyone envisioned in the summer league, to say the least.

On his debut against the Kings in California Classics, Bronny finished his game with 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. He shot 2-of-9 from the field and missed all three of his attempts from the three-point range. He missed the games against the Warriors but played against the Heat. His 3-point return was far from a statement of intent, but his 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and blocks each combined with 2 steals showed his defensive effort. Bronny tried to replicate the same in the Rockets game after his offense fell flat with 0-8 deep shooting and 3-14 shooting from the field. He recorded 5 rebounds and 2 steals, keeping his streak of steals going.

So yes, his statement has greater significance after this performance. His open attitude to any role at any level is a stark contrast to what his agent, Rich Paul, mentioned before the draft. The Klutch Sports CEO went on record to say that his client will not be playing in the G-League. “I got the word out early to teams that if you plan on bringing Bronny in, here’s what you need to know: If you won’t give him a real deal, there’s nothing to talk about,” Paul told ESPN. JJ Redick might be willing to take the blame for Bronny’s failure but if things don’t change drastically in the next few games against the Celtics and the Hawks, the guard just might have to settle for a G-League spot rather than playing regularly alongside his legendary father.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video