Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, recently came out against the widespread speculation. He honed in on his dad’s legacy, future with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bronny played into all of the excitement surrounding speculation about the roster next year. He stated that does not mean he’s had any deep conversations with LeBron about the direction of the franchise or his father’s intentions to stay in Los Angeles.
Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent and CEO of Klutch Sports, revealed to ESPN that LeBron is keenly observing the Lakers’ offseason moves. He said that for LeBron, it is all about maximizing the last few seasons left in his career. He’s right to expect the Lakers to be completely behind his ambitions, too.
“LeBron wants to make every season he has left count,” – Rich Paul
The Lakers have made a splash this offseason, signing forward Jake LaRavia and center Deandre Ayton to lucrative contracts. Bronny James is preparing for Commerce state in the California Classic, Las Vegas Summer League. He’ll suit up with the rest of the Lakers’ summer league team, coached this year by assistant coaches Beau Levesque and Lindsey Harding.
Bronny just finished up his rookie season after being selected 55th overall last June. As far as hope for the present team’s turnaround, he’s very hopeful. He stated, “Obviously being on the team, I think we’re going to come back even better than we were last year.”
While there are concerns among fans and analysts regarding LeBron’s future, including speculation about a potential trade if the Lakers fail to upgrade their roster satisfactorily, Rich Paul clarified that there has been no formal discussion about LeBron requesting a trade. One thing LeBron did reveal was that four different teams called up Paul’s camp with the intent of making a deal for him.
“We don’t really talk about it much,” – Bronny James
In a recent interview, Bronny recounted a conversation he had with a friend who inquired about his father’s next team. He responded to his friend with confusion, saying, “I didn’t see it. He called me. I was like, ‘yeah, I have no idea what you’re talking about.’”
“Bronny explained that one of the biggest lessons from his father is to never worry about trade rumors or speculation. “I think when stuff like that does come up, he just tells me to not worry about it, to not even pay attention to it and just lock into what you have going on right now,” he explained.
What’s perhaps most exciting about engaging with the Lakers’ summer league team training camp sessions is the talent on display. Other key names are 2019 first-round selection Darius Bazley and Cole Swider, who spent last year with the G League’s South Bay Lakers. Last year’s second-round pick Adou Thiero missed practice with a left knee sprain. Sadly, he will not be participating in the 2023 MGM Resorts NBA Summer League action.
Bronny, heading into his second season, is determined to improve the fraternal team chemistry. He’s taking the right approach—concentrating on his own professional development while trying to brush off all the speculation and gossip about his dad’s impending departure.
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