Following a brief two-day break, the Chase Center will return as host of the California Classic with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat meeting in the 2024 NBA Summer League.
Both teams will take the court for the third time in the summer. Miami currently owns a record of 1-1 in the California Classic with Los Angeles still in search of its first win as the only 0-2 squad in the league. Ahead of the high-profile matchup featuring two of the biggest markets in the NBA, the status of Bronny James remains uncertain.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Game Details
Fixture: Miami Heat @ Los Angeles Lakers
Date and Time: July 10 at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
League: California Classic
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Network: ESPN2 and ESPN+
Summer League Team Review
Los Angeles Lakers
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Headlines covering the Lakers’ Summer League ventures have unsurprisingly all been around no. 55 overall pick Bronny James. The 19-year-old appeared in the team’s first game against Sacramento, scoring four points, but missed their second outing against Golden State with a minor knee injury.
So far, the team has been led by first-round pick Dalton Knecht and returning two-way player Blake Hinson, both of whom have reached double figures in each previous outing. Knecht, however, is using overwhelming volume to make up for his lack of efficiency, shooting just a combined 6-for-25 from the field — 24 percent — through two games.
In their two appearances in the California Classic, Los Angeles has yet to out-score their opponent in any quarter, losing all eight to this point.
Miami Heat
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Miami was emphatically shut down by Golden State in their opening game but followed up their flat debut with a blowout of their own against Sacramento 2. Rookie Kel’el Ware is leading the charge for the team on both ends of the court, currently averaging 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 3.0 blocks.
Ware’s impactful performance in the second game was noted by most on social media but the Heat have been guided by the dynamic shooting of guard Cole Swider. The former two-way player is averaging 19 points across two games on 56 percent shooting from three-point distance.
Swider became the first player in Skyforce history to end the season shooting 50 percent from deep and was named a 2024 G-League All-Star. The Villanova alum was given that honor along with Alondes Williams, the other starting guard on Miami’s Summer League roster.
Possible Breakout Players of the Game
Tommy Kuhse: Los Angeles Lakers
When Dalton Knecht is not chucking up bricks, Kuhse has been by far the most efficient offensive player for the Los Angeles Lakers. The St. Mary’s product is older than many would like a Summer League prospect to be but has put up a combined 25 points thus far on 47 percent shooting.
Kuhse’s 15-point, eight-assist effort against Sacramento off the bench was enough to convince Dane Johnson to start him the following day in Bronny James’ absence. He was less impactful against Golden State but still put up 10 points, which, considering the team only accounted for 68 total points, is still fairly impressive.
Colin Castleton has been the most consistent player on the team with consecutive double-doubles but against Kel’el Ware, his performance is likely to decline. With the holes Miami presents on defense, Kuhse could have a field day offensively, especially if James is again unable to suit up.
Pelle Larsson: Miami Heat
Larsson had a rough debut on July 6, going just 2-for-8 from the field for eight points with three rebounds and no assists. He did not score much more the following afternoon against Sacramento but put forth a much more well-rounded performance with nine points, five rebounds, and six assists. With the improvements he showed from Game 1 to Game 2, Larsson is on pace for an even bigger day against Los Angeles.
Many were critical of Larsson’s shot selection and decision-making in the Heat’s opening game but criticism softened after he displayed a more measured approach. Golden State has also shut out both Miami and Los Angeles through two games and looks very much like the best team in the Summer League, putting less emphasis on his poor debut.
Lucky for Larsson, Los Angeles has not been able to guard anybody in the California Classic. Larsson has never been a dynamic scorer and has more of the feel of a “glue” player but is one of just two players on the team already under contract with the Heat.
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