During his rookie season, Bronnie James found himself at the center of a whirlwind of conversation and speculation, even though his own actions didn’t really contribute to it.
Regardless of what Stephen A. Smith thinks, Bronnie cherishes the memories of his time with the Lakers alongside his father, LeBron.
“That’s a blessing,” Bronnie shared, as reported by Fox Sports. “You can learn from him not just as a player, but as a dad. It’s a unique relationship that many people can’t experience. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for me.”
Making history as the first father-son duo in the NBA, it’s still uncertain if LeBron, at 40, will return for another season. He holds a $52.6 million player option for next year.
“I’m eager to keep learning from him, whether he stays in the game or not,” Bronnie expressed. “But I’m looking forward to it.”
LeBron, a four-time champion and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is often considered the greatest player ever, but there’s nothing comparable to playing alongside his son this season.
“That’s definitely number one,” LeBron stated regarding his achievements. “It’s an easy choice. Being able to play the sport I love alongside my son this year has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had.”
While they haven’t exchanged many experiences, pressure has undoubtedly been a factor for Bronnie, who bears the name of a sports legend.
After suffering a cardiac arrest during practice before his freshman year at USC, Bronnie averaged only 4.8 points before being drafted 55th by the Lakers.
His quick ascent to the NBA attracted significant attention, as well as criticism.
“I’m calling out LeBron James as a father. Enough is enough. There’s no doubt that Bronnie is in the NBA thanks to his dad,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take” back in January.
In the midst of the debate surrounding Smith’s comments, LeBron quickly defended his son.
“I felt a lot of pressure,” Bronnie admitted. “It was particularly intense for me.”
Amid all the talk of nepotism, Bronnie, who has been averaging 21.9 points per game with the Lakers’ G-League team, aims to establish his own legacy in the NBA.
“That’s all I’m trying to show.”
It has been a learning experience in his first season, and he remains focused on improvement.
“I keep my head down and work hard,” Bronnie said. “It’s about putting on blinders to distractions. You just hit the gym, talk with your coach, watch film—whatever it takes to grow each day. It’s all about staying focused and seeing where that leads me.”
