Las Vegas has been buzzing with nonstop basketball action since July 9, with NBA Summer League turning the city into every fan’s dream. From packed arenas to NBA stars dropping by, it’s been hoops mania all over Sin City. And if you’re planning to catch a game before the championship on July 20—you’ll definitely want to know about the latest lineup changes with the Lakers before you do!

The Lakers’ summer run is winding down, and it’s been a mixed bag — some wins, some off nights, and a few standouts along the way. Meanwhile, the Nuggets, at 1-3, are fighting to grab a W in their July 18 finale. With a super young squad and no draft picks this year, Denver’s been banking on guys like DaRon Holmes II, Hunter Tyson, and E.J. Liddell. And with the Lakers shaking up their starting five, the Nuggets might just have a shot to finally break through.

Lakers Nation dropped a key update on Twitter, and it’s official—Bronny James and Dalton Knecht are done with Summer League. The tweet read, “No Bronny James or Dalton Knecht tonight against the Nuggets, so their Summer Leagues are done.” That means fans won’t be seeing the two rookies suit up again in Vegas. As for tonight’s summer league finale against Denver, the Lakers are rolling with a fresh lineup: “DJ Steward, DaJuan Gordon, Sam Mennenga, Cole Swider, Christian Koloko.” So if you were tuning in for Bronny or Knecht, this one’s all about the supporting cast stepping up under the spotlight.

Bronny James won’t be suiting up for the Lakers’ Summer League finale, but don’t worry, it’s not injury-related. After logging solid minutes this summer and appearing in 27 NBA games last season, it looks like the Lakers are just giving him a breather and letting other guys get some run. No injury report, no big drama, just a typical summer league move.

But Bronny’s not the only key name missing. Dalton Knecht, who’s been one of the Lakers’ top guys this summer, is also sitting this one out. He missed a game earlier in Vegas too, reportedly for rest after a calf cramp scare. There’s even been some trade buzz floating around his name, with talks linking him to possible deals ahead of training camp. With Knecht and Bronny both out, it could be a tough night for the Lakers.

Bronny James is turning heads in the Summer League

Bronny James came into this year’s Summer League with a lot to prove, and he’s been showing flashes that he’s ready for more. After a rocky rookie season where he averaged just 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 27 games for the Lakers, plus a much better 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the G League, Bronny hit Vegas looking like a different player. His confidence is up, his aggression is showing, and even when things aren’t perfect, like Thursday’s game against the Celtics when he had six turnovers and zero points in the first half, he’s been bouncing back hard. “If I am consistently confident and bring the ball up and being able to play the one when it’s needed, I think that’ll be good,” Bronny said after that game, and honestly, it’s been showing.

Take that Celtics game, for example. After a forgettable first half, Bronny absolutely turned it on in the second, scoring all 18 of his points after halftime, finishing with 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 8 turnovers on 7-of-13 shooting. He went at defenders like Max Shulga and Hugo Gonzalez, pulled off a behind-the-back dribble to shake Gonzalez, and even drew MVP chants after an and-1 layup against Kenneth Lofton Jr. “It definitely was a better result than last year, so I’m happy with it,” he admitted postgame. Sure, the turnovers (he’s averaging 4.0 per game this Summer League) are still a thing, but his shot creation, ball-handling under pressure, and attacking mindset have been a clear upgrade from his first pro season.

Across four Summer League games, Bronny’s averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds on 47.6% shooting, while working on his perimeter game (30% from three) and free throws (78.6%). Against the Clippers, he had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three, showing off his best all-around game yet. Even in losses, he’s looked more assertive, handling the ball full-court under defensive pressure, creating for teammates, and flashing that two-way potential.

“Just getting more comfortable game by game,” Bronny said after his 17-point night, and honestly, you can see it.  From a rookie fighting “nepotism” narratives to a young guard finding his footing in Vegas, Bronny’s journey feels like it’s just heating up.