“Doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play well..” LeBron James gets honest about Bronny James’ expectations for Lakers

Bronny James made his Summer League debut against the Sacramento Kings.

“Doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play well..” LeBron James gets honest about Bronny James’ expectations for Lakers

LeBron and Bronny James

LeBron James is excited to play alongside his son Bronny James on the Los Angeles Lakers, but he’s not worried about Bronny’s performance in the Summer League. He made this known while speaking to the media yesterday on camp with Team USA. 

Bronny made his Summer League debut on Saturday, where he scored four points in 22 minutes, but LBJ is focused on his son’s progress and development, not his stats. He wants Bronny to get better with each practice and session.

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Doesn’t matter if he plays well and doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play well. I just want him to continue to grow in practices, in film sessions, individual workouts. You can’t take anything stat-wise from the California Classic or (Vegas) Summer League. Only thing matters is him getting better.
LeBron James said to the media

King James and Bronny will make history as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, but he is also focused on his own goals, which include winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He’s ready to take on any role coach Steve Kerr wants for him, whether it’s in the backcourt or as a point forward.

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The four-time NBA champion recently signed a two-year extension with the Lakers, with reports that he took a pay cut, the same day the team gave Bronny a four-year deal. While he is entering his 22nd season in the league, Bronny is just starting his rookie season, and will likely play a portion of it with the Lakers’ G League affiliate South Bay Lakers. 

Bronny James expected to spend majority of rookie season with G League

Bronny James is expected to spend most of his rookie season with the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on SportsCenter. While he will likely see some time with the Lakers, his development and growth are the priority, and the G League will provide him with valuable experience and playing time.

Well, what the Lakers’ expectations are is he’ll largely be a G League player like almost any 19-year-old player coming into the league drafted in the second round. What you’ll ultimately probably see is Bronny James in the first week of the season on the court with his father in a very – I don’t want to call it ceremonial, but the eyes of the world will be on that.
Adrian Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter
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Bronny was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft and signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract. He will be the first player to play in the G League while having a parent playing in the NBA, making history alongside his father.

The G League will provide Bronny with a chance to develop his skills and gain confidence on the court, and he will likely be called up to the Lakers periodically throughout the season. Despite not being a prominent part of the Lakers’ rotation, Bronny’s time in the G League will be crucial for his growth and future success in the NBA.

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