The Los Angeles Lakers have already made their first big splash of the offseason by bringing in Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Luka Doncic was the third overall pick in that same draft. Ayton arrives with a proven track record in the league, though his last two seasons in Portland were marred by injuries. Nevertheless, he averaged a respectable 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. The Lakers are undoubtedly gearing up to bolster their roster in the coming months to give LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a shot at his fifth championship and his second with the Lakers.
Bronny James Breaks His Silence on LeBron’s Future
Just two weeks into the NBA offseason, the trade market has been a whirlwind. The draft was merely the opening act, setting the stage for the chaos that followed. After all, what would an offseason be without a little drama? The latest plot twist involves LeBron James, the 40-year-old icon whose name has surfaced in trade rumors. Is he staying with the Lakers or considering a new team? The jury’s still out. Amid the speculation, Bronny James, LeBron’s son and a Lakers prospect, opened up about his dad’s situation.
Bronny, no stranger to the media circus that follows his famous father, shared that he first heard about LeBron’s contract decision through a friend. “One of my friends called me asking what I was gonna do ’cause they saw something about my dad,” Bronny said Wednesday. “I didn’t even see it myself. I was like, ‘Yeah, I have no clue what you’re talking about.’ I don’t really keep up with that stuff.”
Last week, LeBron opted into the final year of his Lakers deal, though his agent Rich Paul’s cryptic statement only fueled more questions.
When asked if he had discussed roster moves with LeBron, Bronny made it clear that he had been taught to tune out the chatter. “We don’t discuss it much,” he said after the Lakers’ first summer league practice. “But when it does come up, he tells me not to stress or look at it. He says to focus on what’s in front of me because that’s what’ll make me better and keep me grounded. It’s solid advice.”
What Happens to Bronny if LeBron Moves On?
LeBron’s next move could shake things up for the Lakers, who are in a transitional phase under new ownership. The franchise has 17 championships to its name, second only to the Boston Celtics, but has hit rough patches lately, including a first-round playoff exit last season. If LeBron leaves, what will happen to Bronny? Might he end up like Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who plays few minutes alongside his superstar brother, Giannis, in Milwaukee?
Bronny’s journey so far suggests a slower climb. He was drafted 55th overall last year and spent most of his rookie season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, where he excelled, averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over 11 games. In the NBA, however, his role was smaller. He played in just 27 games, averaging 2.3 points and less than one assist in 6.7 minutes per game. Still, as part of the league’s first father-son duo, Bronny’s every move is magnified.
The Lakers’ summer league kicks off on July 5 in San Francisco with the California Classic, featuring Bronny and last year’s first-rounder, Dalton Knecht. This year’s No. 36 pick, Adou Thiero, will sit out as he recovers from a knee injury. Meanwhile, a marquee matchup looms on July 10 in Las Vegas, where the Lakers will face the Dallas Mavericks. Cooper Flagg will make his Mavericks debut and square off against Bronny in a clash that’s sure to draw attention.
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