EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Bronny James is steering clear of the rumor mill surrounding his father, LeBron James, as he prepares for his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite avoiding social media, Bronny was alerted by a friend about speculation regarding LeBron’s future with the team. “I said, ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’” Bronny remarked with a grin following a practice session with the Lakers’ NBA Summer League team. “I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. There’s a lot of stuff going around that I don’t pay attention to.”
LeBron James has opted to continue his storied career with the Lakers, picking up his $52.6 million player option for a record 23rd NBA season. However, his agent, Rich Paul, made cryptic comments suggesting LeBron’s championship aspirations, even as the Lakers are reportedly building around Luka Doncic. This has fueled speculation about a potential trade if the Lakers don’t perform at an elite level this fall. Yet, Bronny remains focused on his development, undistracted by the swirling rumors.
Bronny’s Summer Focus: Growth and Development
Bronny James is determined to concentrate on his growth as a player, aiming to make significant contributions in his sophomore NBA season. The Lakers have bolstered their roster by signing center Deandre Ayton, addressing a critical offseason need and enhancing their competitive edge. Bronny, alongside his father, made history last season as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA. However, the younger James is not preoccupied with future possibilities.
“We don’t really talk about that much,” Bronny said about his discussions with LeBron. “But I think when stuff like that does come up, he just tells me to not worry about it, not even pay attention to it. Just lock in to what you have going on right now, and that’s what’s going to get me better and keep me focused.”
Preparing for the NBA Summer League
Returning to the NBA Summer League, Bronny is eager to showcase his skills in front of the Lakers’ passionate fanbase. The team’s first game will see them face the Dallas Mavericks, featuring No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, in Las Vegas. Reflecting on last year’s experience, Bronny noted the intense environment and his initial nerves. “Last year it was a crazy environment for me to step in and produce right off — being nervous, too,” he said. “I feel like this year I’ll be able to go out and play freely and know what I’m going to go out there and do for me and my teammates.”
Bronny has been focusing on his conditioning and diet, slimming down to 215 pounds with the goal of maintaining stamina for extended play. This physical preparation is crucial for Bronny, who suffered a cardiac arrest two years ago during a summer workout at USC. “I think that side of confidence just comes with time, and being able to go through or endure myself at a longer rate of time,” he explained. “Just being able to be out there for longer time, going at it, just coming in every day and pushing myself even more than I did the last day, I think, is really good for me.”
Defensive Prowess as a Path to Success
Bronny is also committed to establishing himself as a defensive force, recognizing that this role is key to securing his place on the court. Despite demonstrating scoring ability last season in the G League and during a standout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny emphasizes defense as his primary focus. “I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor,” he stated. “There’s going to be guys that can go out and score 15, 20 (points) a game. I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now, but to get myself on the floor, I have to be a defensive menace, and that’s my main focus, getting into that condition this year.”
Unfortunately, Bronny will not have the opportunity to play alongside Adou Thiero in Las Vegas. The Lakers’ second-round draft pick is still recovering from a left knee injury sustained at Arkansas, though he is expected to be ready for training camp.
As Bronny James navigates the challenges of his burgeoning NBA career, his focus remains steadfast on personal development and team contribution, undeterred by the external noise surrounding his father’s future.
