With LeBron front row, Bronny James leads U.S. at Nike Hoop Summit

PORTLAND, Ore. — With his parents and sister in attendance at the Moda Center, Bronny James scored 11 points and made key plays in the late stages as a USA Basketball team of the nation's top high school seniors defeated a World team of international players age 19 or younger, 90-84, in Saturday's men's Nike Hoop Summit game.

Taking advantage of a day off for the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz that will determine whether the Lakers secure a playoff spot or must fight for one in the play-in tournament, LeBron James sat courtside with wife Savannah and their daughter, Zhuri.

After Bronny missed both of his 3-point attempts in the first half, his dad offered advice at halftime.

«Basically just saying keep playing my game because he knows what I'm capable of doing,» Bronny told the media postgame. «He just wants to see it out of me.»

The slow start, including a pair of airballs, didn't get James down.

«I just always try to stay confident in myself, even if I'm missing shots in the beginning of the game like I was,» he said. «I just try to keep my head up and keep playing my game. I know good things are going to come because good things come with the lows. I'm happy with the results of it.»

Playing nearly the entire fourth quarter, James scored seven of his 11 points in the period as the USA team rallied from a one-point deficit to win. He made his only 3-pointer to help key a run and blocked a shot in the closing stages with the U.S. clinging to a four-point lead. James then secured a rebound with 5.4 seconds left and made both free throws for the final margin.

«A great experience,» James said, summing up several days of practices — the last two open to NBA scouts — leading