Bronny James says he can handle playing with his dad and the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Bronny James (left) and his father LeBron James share a light-hearted moment as they arrive for the NBA basketball team’s press conference in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Bronny James says the opportunity to play professionally alongside his famous father played no role in his decision to declare for the NBA draft.

Now that LeBron James’ 19-year-old son has been selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny says he can still handle the extra attention and pressure as the James family makes basketball history.

“I’m … trying to make a name for myself,” Bronny said Tuesday. “I just want to come here, do my job and get better every day. I never really thought about playing with my dad. That’s always there to participate in, but it wasn’t my main concern.”

The Lakers officially introduced Bronny James and their first-round pick, Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht, in a press conference at their training complex. Los Angeles selected Bronny 55th overall last week, creating the potential for an NBA first.

No father and son have ever played in the league at the same time, let alone on the same team.

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“Just have that work ethic… listen to the coaches and be able to learn.”

Bronny James on the conversations he had with LeBron at the beginning of his NBA career 🌟 pic.twitter.com/L8rDO82ERY

— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024

“The pressure has definitely gotten bigger,” Bronny James said. “I’ve seen it on (social) media and the internet and there’s been talk everywhere about how maybe I don’t deserve a chance. But I’ve dealt with this kind of stuff my whole life. It’s nothing different. It’s definitely gotten bigger, but I can get through it.”

Bronny reiterated that he didn’t just move to the NBA because his 39-year-old father is still an active player. He acknowledged that he doesn’t necessarily share his father’s oft-stated dream of playing in the league together. Bronny also knew he had no say in where he was drafted, despite recently reading on social media that the Lakers’ pick was a nepotistic attempt to keep LeBron James with the Lakers for the rest of his career.

Bronny James is the eldest son of the NBA’s best scorer. LeBron James has spent the last six seasons with the Lakers and it is almost certain that he will return to the team, although he is currently a free agent after declining his player option for next season worth $51.4 million.

LeBron James quietly watched his son’s introductory press conference in the back of the gym at the Lakers’ training facility.

Bronny said he is better prepared for the challenges ahead because “LeBron told me things that he’s told me my whole life. Just having that work ethic, coming to work and doing your job, listening to your coaches and being teachable, those are things he’s instilled in me my whole life.”

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Bronny James deftly answered questions about what to expect after jumping straight to the NBA after a short college basketball season, playing inconsistently at USC last winter after recovering from a scary cardiac event in July 2023.

“I feel like I could have perfected my game better in my free time,” Bronny said. “I just feel like I got the opportunity to show what I can really do, because I didn’t have that many opportunities at SC. So I’m excited to see what’s coming.”

Rather than spend another year in college, Bronny hopes to improve his game in the Lakers’ player development system currently being built under new coach JJ Redick. Redick had stressed the need to develop talent within the organization after general manager Rob Pelinka hired him last month.

“Rob and I didn’t give Bronny anything for free,” Redick said. “Bronny earned this through hard work. For us who prioritize player development, Bronny is case study 1 because his basic feel, his athleticism, his offensive defense, his shooting and passing skills – there’s a lot to like about his game. If we build out our player development program holistically, he’ll have a chance to be a great NBA player.”

Bronny James and Knecht are both expected to play for the Lakers’ summer league teams in Sacramento and Las Vegas this month.

LeBron and Bronny James would join the short list of fathers and sons who have played together in North American professional sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners for parts of the 1990 and 1991 MLB seasons, while hockey legend Gordie Howe played with his sons Marty and Mark for the WHA’s Houston Aeros and the NHL’s Hartford Whalers.