NBA

Bronny James addresses father's Lakers departure as he carves out his own path

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 29, 2026, 06:54 IST

Bronny James opens up about LeBron James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers, emphasizing his desire to establish his own identity with the Lakers while looking forward to their Christmas Day showdown.

Bronny James addresses father's Lakers departure as he carves out his own path

Bronny James has offered a rare glimpse into the professional dynamic between him and his father, LeBron James, following the latter's high-profile departure from the Los Angeles Lakers this past summer. Speaking at the Lakers' media day, the younger James revealed that despite the significant career move, there was surprisingly little dialogue between the two regarding the decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

The younger guard explained that their relationship, particularly concerning business matters, is characterized by a mutual understanding of their individual professional trajectories. While LeBron consulted the family on his free agency move, Bronny noted that their communication remains brief, rooted in a shared respect for their separate paths in the league. He emphasized that his primary focus remains on his own development and establishing his own reputation within the organization.

Focusing on individual growth and the Christmas clash

As he prepares for the upcoming season, Bronny is concentrating on his role as a backup to guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Having appeared in 42 regular-season games and eight playoff contests last year, he is eager to step out of his father's shadow. He acknowledged that the motivation to prove himself as an individual player, rather than simply being known as LeBron's son, is a driving force in his daily preparation.

Despite the professional separation, there is no lack of goodwill between the two. Bronny expressed genuine excitement for the upcoming schedule, specifically highlighting the Christmas Day matchup in Los Angeles where he will face his father for the first time as an opponent. It marks a distinct shift for the Lakers, who are entering their first season without LeBron since the 2017-18 campaign.

The transition has been felt throughout the locker room, with teammates like Luka Doncic reflecting on the impact of LeBron's exit. Doncic, who spent significant time playing alongside the veteran, noted that while the departure is a sad development for the team, the experience of learning from such a prominent figure was invaluable. With nine new players on the roster, the Lakers are now firmly focused on the future, looking to move past the legacy of the previous era as they embark on a new chapter.