NBA

Bronny James Reflects on Father LeBron’s Departure from Lakers

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 29, 2026, 08:54 IST

Bronny James discusses his father LeBron’s move to the Philadelphia 76ers, his own development with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his anticipation for their upcoming Christmas Day matchup.

Bronny James Reflects on Father LeBron’s Departure from Lakers

Bronny James addressed his father LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers during the team’s media day on Monday. Despite the significant shift in the franchise's landscape, the younger James revealed that there was limited discussion between the two regarding the veteran star's decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.

The younger James emphasized that their relationship remains focused on individual professional growth, noting that both men prefer to keep business matters private. He explained that his father understands his desire to establish his own identity within the league, separate from the legacy of his father. According to Bronny, they are men of few words when it comes to career decisions, allowing each to pursue their own path independently.

Focusing on Individual Growth and the Christmas Showdown

As the Lakers enter their first season without LeBron James since the 2017-18 campaign, Bronny is concentrating on his role within the roster. With a guaranteed $2.3 million contract for the upcoming season, he is preparing to provide depth behind guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Having appeared in 42 regular-season games and eight playoff contests last year, the guard is motivated to prove himself as an individual player rather than simply being viewed through the lens of his father’s career.

The Lakers are undergoing a period of transition, integrating nine new players into the squad. While the departure of a player of LeBron's stature is a major adjustment, the team is shifting its focus toward the future. Luka Doncic expressed his appreciation for the time spent playing alongside the elder James, acknowledging the valuable lessons learned during their tenure together.

Looking ahead, Bronny shared his excitement for the upcoming schedule, specifically the Christmas Day matchup against the 76ers in Los Angeles. While he expressed support for his father’s new chapter, he remains eager for the opportunity to face him on the court. The game marks a highly anticipated moment in the season, representing the first time the two will compete against one another since LeBron’s move to Philadelphia.