In his Las Vegas NBA Summer League debut, Bronny James scored eight points with four rebounds and two steals as the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets 99-80. Although James showed flashes of potential with a strong start, his overall performance was overshadowed by rookie Reed Sheppard's impressive 23-point game. Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft, led the Rockets to victory with a stellar shooting performance. Meanwhile, Lakers' first-round pick Dalton Knecht scored 25 points, showcasing his offensive skills. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized James' defensive contributions and encouraged him to focus on pressuring the ball. Despite the loss, fans are eager to see how James and the Lakers will fare in their next Summer League matchup against the Boston Celtics.