Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James is excited to show his critics what he's all about in the NBA next season, after claiming his freshman statistics at USC didn't reflect his skillset .
James, 19, started just six games for USC last season and appeared in 25 total, posting averages of 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. Despite those numbers, the Lakers reunited Bronny with his father , making the rookie and LeBron James the first active father-son duo in NBA history.
"I feel like I've been given an opportunity to showcase what I can really do because I wasn't given that much of an opportunity at USC," James told the media on Tuesday. Bronny's development was significantly hindered after suffering a cardiac arrest during a basketball workout, just weeks after committing to USC last year.
Bronny has managed to complete a stunning turnaround within 12 months, getting back out onto the court and being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Lakers. Bronny has since signed his multi-year contract with the Lakers, and will not only join his father in the NBA but will be on the same roster.
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According to The Athletic, Bronny signed a guaranteed four-year, $7.9 million contract which contains a team option in the fourth season. While most prospects look to further their career in the NBA and build off their collegiate standard, Bronny is in an unusual situation where he has expectations to build off, rather than concrete results.
Bronny will have LeBron to show him the ropes in the NBA, and teach him valuable lessons. But the 19-year-old claimed that playing with his father wasn't the main focus, despite LeBron stating it was a dream of his before retiring.
"I’m ... trying to get my name out for myself," Bronny added. "I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine."
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The selection by the Lakers broke the internet as Bronny was taken in the second round, and the James family continued to make NBA history. "It’s for sure amplified the amount of pressure," Bronny said.
"I’ve already seen it in (social) media and on the internet and stuff talking about (how) I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with stuff like this for my whole life. It’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure, but I can get through it."
LeBron declined his $51.4 million player option for next season, all but guaranteeing his return to the Lakers for 2024-25. LeBron is now assessing his career year-by-year as he turns 40 in December. Regardless of when LeBron retires, next season he will complete his ambition of playing with his eldest son.
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