Bronny James embraces Lakers reset after LeBron’s move to Philadelphia

Bronny James keeps focus on his own Lakers journey

Bronny James has offered a calm response to LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, saying the father and son have largely kept their professional decisions separate.

Speaking at Lakers media day in El Segundo, Bronny explained that there had not been an extensive discussion about LeBron’s decision to leave Los Angeles in free agency and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“He’s got his own path, and I got my own,” Bronny said, summing up the way the pair approached the change. He added that LeBron understands his desire to build his own identity and continue developing as a player.

Bronny said he was happy for his father and eager to see how Philadelphia’s season unfolds. The first meeting between the two teams is scheduled for Christmas in Los Angeles, a game the young guard is already anticipating.

“I’m happy for him and excited to see where their season goes. I’m excited to see him on Christmas. I’m excited to play against him on Christmas, so that’s going to be good.”

A new Lakers era

The Lakers are beginning their first season without LeBron since the 2017-18 campaign, leaving Bronny to adjust to a reshaped roster while attempting to establish himself in his third year.

Bronny enters camp with a guaranteed $2.3 million contract after appearing in 42 regular-season games and eight playoff games last season. His best postseason performance came in a 115-96 Game 4 defeat to the Houston Rockets, when he played a playoff career-high 15 minutes and recorded five points, two rebounds and four assists.

He has spent the offseason preparing for a potential backup role behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Bronny said he wants to play aggressively while making smarter decisions in difficult moments, giving coach JJ Redick fewer reasons to remove him from games.

“I’m coming in aggressive, playing smart, playing my game,” Bronny said.

Bronny has also been working closely with Lakers newcomer Collin Sexton, whom he speaks with daily as he looks to learn from the veteran guard’s intensity on both ends of the court. A team trip to Slovenia, arranged at Doncic’s invitation, provided additional time with his teammates.

Luka Doncic has described LeBron’s exit as a sad moment and said he learned a great deal from playing alongside him. For Bronny, however, the focus is on creating his own place in the Lakers’ future while preserving the significance of the father-son history he shared with LeBron.