The headline news of the weekend was Luka Doncic’s contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, a clear signal that the Slovenian star is being positioned as the franchise’s cornerstone for the years ahead. With LeBron James nearing the end of his legendary career, Doncic is widely seen as his natural successor.
However, the move has raised questions about the relationship between Doncic and LeBron James. Much will depend on how well the two stars connect both on and off the court. Adding to the speculation, neither LeBron nor his son Bronny, also a Lakers player, was present at the ceremony announcing Doncic’s contract extension.
It’s worth noting that during the press conference announcing Luka Doncic’s contract extension, several members of the Lakers roster were present to support the Slovenian star in this major career milestone. Their attendance highlighted the significance of the moment and the team’s backing of Doncic
Bronny James skips Doncic’s extension press conference
Bronny James is widely regarded as a promising NBA prospect, carrying the weight of a powerful legacy as the son of LeBron James. While the spotlight naturally follows him, Bronny is working to forge his own path in the league. Now, he has the opportunity to begin that journey with one of the most iconic franchises in basketball history, the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, Bronny James’s absence from Luka Doncic’s press conference highlights his continued strong connection to his father, LeBron James. Some journalists view this as a missed opportunity for Bronny to show independence and begin building his own identity in the league. This has been the opinion of Dan Patrick, a recognized sports journalist.
“If he wants to stay longer after LeBron James leaves, Bronny James should’ve been there. You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there,” said Dan Patrick, expressing his disagreement with Bronny’s absence and emphasizing that, as a rookie just beginning his NBA career.
At this point, it remains unclear why Bronny James did not attend the press conference, but his absence and perceived attitude toward Doncic have raised concerns about the dynamics within the team.
What to expect of Bronny James for the upcoming season
Bronny James is one of the most talked-about rookies in this year’s NBA Summer League, alongside Cooper Flagg, the highly anticipated prospect joining the Dallas Mavericks. In their first matchup, James posted eight points and showed flashes of his skill with some impressive moves.
However, it was in the second game where he truly stood out, delivering a stronger performance with 14 points and noticeably greater confidence on the court. The outing marked a clear step forward in his early career. Bronny’s main goal this season is to prove he belongs in the NBA on his own merit, beyond the shadow of his father, LeBron James.
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