Latest news with #BronnyJames
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Bronny James set for major new Lakers role amid doubts over dad LeBron's NBA future
Despite struggling as a rookie, Bronny James is set for a big sophomore season with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to one Western Conference executive. After being selected No 55 overall in last year's NBA Draft, with some obvious interference from dad LeBron James and family friend and Lakers' head coach JJ Redick, Bronny only played in 27 games and 181 big-league minutes. LeBron James' son was far from impressive as a role player, amassing 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. That's hardly worth the second-most-lucrative NBA contract of all-time for a second-round pick. Bronny spent plenty of time with the G League's South Bay Lakers, where his stats improved drastically with 21.9 points per contest and a 44.3-percent shooting percentage. The 20-year-old James is set to be part of an NBA roster for much longer in the upcoming months due to his impressive developmental-league showing. 'I don't think there's any doubt that's their plan,' the executive told Athlon Sports. 'I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we've seen a lot of tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July.' 'He's 20 years old. He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him.' 'I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year.' The Lakers do have plenty of options after a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles acquired Luka Doncic last season, adding depth to the position where Bronny is best suited to play. It will be tough for Bronny to ever outgrow the influence of his father. One way to distance himself would be to raise his level of play in front of an NBA audience.
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Bronny James could be poised for a whole new Lakers role after rookie progress
Bronny James apparently has a bright future with the Lakers. One Western Conference exec said the Lakers are all-in on integrating LeBron James' 20-year-old son into their regular rotation next season, according to Athlon Sports. 'I don't think there's any doubt that's their plan,' the executive said. 'I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we've seen a lot of tape on [Bronny] and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July… He is going to be a regular for them next year.' 3 Lakers guard Bronny James (9) warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Arena in Los Angeles on April 19, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The exec mentioned that Bronny — the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — flashed some real potential in his rookie season after falling behind in his development due to a heart condition suffered before his freshman year at USC. 'He's 20 years old,' the exec said. 'He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. 'If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year.' 3 Lakers' Bronny James high fives teammate and father LeBron James #23 during Game 1 of their first round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 19, 2025 at Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images Bronny struggled in Summer League and the beginning of his debut campaign with the Lakers. In 27 NBA appearances, the guard averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists on 31.3 percent shooting from the field and 28.1 percent from three point range. The younger James was back and forth from the Lakers to the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he averaged 21.9 points, 44.3 percent shooting and 38.0 percent from beyond the arc. 3 Lakers guard Bronny James (9) brings the ball up the court past Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) in the second half at Moda Center on April 13, 2025. Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images Lakers coach JJ Redick was adamant about Bronny's growth and dedication to developing his game. The Lakers' season ended with a loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on April 30. Bronny explained that it was a 'blessing' to play with his father as they became the NBA's first-ever father-son duo. 'Being able to learn from him, not only as a player, but as a dad. It's a different type of relationship,' Bronny said, according to FOX Sports. 'I try to take full advantage of it because it's something that a lot of people can't have. It was an amazing experience for me. And I'm looking forward to learning more from him, if he's still here or not, either way. But I'm just looking forward to it.' LeBron, 40, suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in the Lakers' 103-96 season-ending loss to Minnesota — and questions about his playing future inevitably followed. The four-time NBA champ has a $52.6 million player option that he could opt into to return next season for his 23rd campaign.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 California Classic summer league schedule has been released
2025 California Classic summer league schedule has been released Heat, Spurs, Warriors and Lakers playing in California Classic — Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 28, 2025 Before the main Las Vegas summer league takes place, the Los Angeles Lakers and a few other teams typically participate in the California Classic summer league. It gives the players taking part in it a few extra games to hone their skills and get ready for what lies ahead, not just in Las Vegas but also during the NBA's regular season. Lakers fans are hoping to see Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, as well as perhaps a few other promising players, take part in summer league this year. James said he will play in Las Vegas, but it is unknown if he will participate in the California Classic, and it is unknown if Knecht will partake in either summer league this year. The schedule for this year's California Classic has been released. The Lakers will play against the Golden State Warriors on July 5, the Miami Heat on July 6 and the San Antonio Spurs on July 8. Afterward, the main Las Vegas summer league will start on July 10 and conclude on July 20.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Proud dad LeBron James spotted celebrating son Bryce's graduation amid uncertainty over NBA future
LeBron James and his family gathered in California on Friday to celebrate the graduation of son Bryce from high school. The 17-year-old basketball prospect was among the class of 2025 to be honored at the ceremony at Sierra Canyon High School. Bryce is the second child of NBA legend LeBron and Savannah James, and the brother of Bronny, 20, and Zhuri, 10. The entire family was in the crowd in Los Angeles to see Bryce - decked out in a blue gown - at Friday's event. LeBron wore a black jacket as he sat alongside his wife and daughter for the graduation, after which Bryce will head off to college at Arizona. The teen is a four-star prospect and he committed to the Wildcats in January, despite receiving offers from Ohio State and Duquesne. Bryce, the NBA legend's youngest son, is pictured in his graduation gown on Friday View this post on Instagram A post shared by 👑 (@kingjames) Bronny has already followed in his father's footsteps and made it to the NBA. Bryce's older brother played one season at USC before joining the professional ranks. He suffered a cardiac arrest ahead of his freshman year but was then drafted by the Lakers, where he played alongside his dad. But the 40-year-old's future in the NBA is uncertain following the Lakers' playoff loss to the Timberwolves. Earlier this week, his agent, Rich Paul, said he has 'no idea' if James will want to play another year. Bryce's basketball journey is just beginning and earlier this week the teen enjoyed his high-school prom. LeBron posted a picture of his son in his black suit, alongside the caption: 'PROM 2025 for the LEGEND BRYCE MAXIMUS
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James' Relationship With Lakers Gets Worrying Update Ahead of Potential Free Agency
NBA legend LeBron James has a player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The forward can pick up his player option or decline it and enter unrestricted free agency. If James becomes an unrestricted free agent, he can either sign a new contract with the Lakers or join another team. Advertisement After playing for his hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers, from 2014-15 to 2017-18, James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. His run in Los Angeles has been full of ups and downs. The Lakers missed the playoffs in 2019, won the championship in 2020, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, missed the playoffs in 2022, lost in the conference finals in 2023 and lost in the first round of the 2024 and 2025 playoffs. Los Angeles made a blockbuster trade this year, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers parted ways with Anthony Davis and Max Christie to acquire Doncic. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron JamesNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Most people who cover the NBA expect James to return to the Lakers since his son, Bronny James, and Doncic are on the team. Advertisement However, it's worth mentioning that Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, said in his latest podcast episode that the relationship between the Lakers and James hasn't always been good. "I mean, I think there's always a chance that LeBron could walk," Buha said. "As we've reported at The Athletic multiple times, and it hasn't just been me, Sam Amick has also reported this, the relationship has been a little frosty at times. It hasn't always been the warmest over the past couple of years. "But I've said it before, I think LeBron's going to be a Laker next year. The only question is whether he's opting in or opting out and re-signing." James appeared in 70 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks. Advertisement Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year's playoffs. James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in the five-game series. Related: LeBron James Breaks 23-Year-Old Michael Jordan NBA Record LeBron James' Relationship With Lakers Gets Worrying Update Ahead of Potential Free Agency first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025
