It’s been over two months since the Boston Celtics hoisted the trophy, securing their place as the NBA’smost successful franchise with 18 titles, one more than the Los Angeles Lakers. In this time, the basketball world has been buzzing with excitement: we’ve witnessed the NBA Draft where Bronny James joined his father on the Lakers, player trades and new contracts, historic WNBA moments driven by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, and Team USA’s triumph in Olympic gold for both men’s and women’s basketball.
Father-Son Duo: Bronny Joins the Lakers
Bronny James was selected with the 55th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. Since then, he’s participated in the Summer League and several training sessions alongside other rookies and second-year players, all vying for a spot in the rotation. The Lakers’ star players, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have yet to return to training as they recently secured Olympic gold with Team USA. The unique situation of a father and son sharing the court raises many questions-one of the most amusing being what they’ll call each other during games and practices, Lebron has already clarified the issue when asked in ‘the Shop’ recorded in Paris.
After all, it would be odd to hear Bronny call out “Dad” or LeBron shout “Son” during a game. When asked about this on “The Shop,” LeBron humorously suggested, “2-3 or Bron, or Goat if he wants it.” It’s clear that while this father-son duo will navigate new territory, LeBron’s response showcases his characteristic confidence and humor. Although he looks very fresh, he must be more worried about his son’s failure in the team, as we are witnessing an unprecedented event in the history of the NBA.
New Season, Same Lakers?
Bronny made his debut in the Summer League, averaging seven points across six games, shooting 32.7% from the field and 13% from three-point range, while also contributing 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. This was just a glimpse of what Bronny and the other young players are striving for-a spot on the team. As the new season approaches, the Lakers have retained their core lineup, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell, along with key rotation players like Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish and Rui Hachimura. The team’s consistency suggests that they are gearing up for another strong regular season, with the added excitement of LeBron playing alongside his son.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the dynamic between LeBron and Bronny James is poised to be one of the most intriguing storylines. While Bronny’s Summer League performance showed flashes of potential, there’s no denying the weight of expectations that come with being the son of an NBA legend. The road ahead won’t be easy, especially in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, where every game counts. Whether Bronny will carve out his own legacy or simply bask in his father’s shadow remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Lakers this season, again.