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Bronny James confident in handling increased pressure, says he can handle it
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    Bronny James confident in handling increased pressure, says he can handle it

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Bronny James says the opportunity to play professionally alongside his famous father played no role in his decision to enter the NBA Draft.

    Now that the 19-year-old son of LeBron James has been selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny says he can still handle all the extra attention and pressure while the James family makes basketball history.

    “I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day,” Bronny said Tuesday. “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.”

    The Lakers formally introduced Bronny James and their first-round pick, Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht, in a news conference at their training complex. Los Angeles selected Bronny with the 55th overall pick last week, creating the potential for an NBA first: No father and son have ever played in the league at the same time, let alone on the same team.

    “For sure it’s amplified the amount of pressure,” Bronny James 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 this stuff for my whole life. It’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure, but I can get through it.”

    Bronny reiterated that he didn’t jump to the NBA just because his 39-year-old father is still an active player, acknowledging he didn’t necessarily share his father’s oft-stated dream of playing in the league together — and knowing that he couldn’t control where he was drafted, despite what he’s read on social media recently about the Lakers’ pick being a nepotistic effort to keep LeBron James with the Lakers for the rest of his career.

    Bronny James is the oldest son of the NBA’s career scoring leader. LeBron James has spent the past six seasons with the Lakers, and he is all but certain to return to the team even though he is currently a free agent after declining his $51.4 million player option for next season.

    LeBron James quietly watched his son’s introductory news conference from the back of the Lakers’ gym at their training complex.

    Bronny said he’s better prepared for the challenges ahead of him because of “stuff that (LeBron) has been telling me my whole life. Just having that work ethic, and coming in and getting your work in, and listening to your coaches and being coachable, stuff like that he’s driven into my head my whole life.”

    Bronny James deftly answered questions about everything he’ll face after jumping straight to the NBA from one short season of college basketball. He played inconsistently last winter at USC after recovering from a frightening cardiac event.

    Rather than spending another year in college, Bronny said he expects to improve his game in the Lakers’ player development system being set up under new coach JJ Redick, who has emphasized the necessity of developing talent from within the organization.

    “The time that I had off, I feel like I could have been perfecting my game more,” Bronny said. “I just feel like I’ve been given the opportunity to showcase what I can really do, because I wasn’t given that much of an opportunity at SC. So I’m excited for what it’s going to be.”

    LeBron and Bronny James are likely to join a short list of fathers and sons who have played together in North American professional sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together with the Seattle Mariners during parts of the 1990 and 1991 MLB seasons, while hockey great Gordie Howe played with his sons Marty and Mark with the WHA’s Houston Aeros and the NHL’s Hartford Whalers.

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    Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is no stranger to pressure. As a highly touted high school basketball player with a famous last name, the spotlight has always been on him. However, as he prepares to enter his senior year of high school and potentially make the jump to college or professional basketball, the pressure has only increased.

    Despite the added scrutiny and expectations, Bronny remains confident in his ability to handle the pressure. In a recent interview, he expressed his belief that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level.

    “I’ve been dealing with pressure my whole life,” Bronny said. “I know what it’s like to have people watching your every move and expecting big things from you. But I thrive in those situations. I love the challenge of proving myself and showing what I can do.”

    Bronny’s confidence is not unfounded. He has shown flashes of brilliance on the court, displaying a combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ that have impressed scouts and fans alike. His work ethic and dedication to improving his game have also been noted by those who have seen him play.

    While some may question whether Bronny can live up to the lofty expectations set for him, he remains unfazed. He understands that being the son of LeBron James comes with its own set of challenges, but he is determined to forge his own path and make a name for himself in the basketball world.

    As he prepares for the next chapter of his basketball career, Bronny is focused on continuing to work hard, stay humble, and let his game do the talking. With his confidence and talent, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to handle whatever pressure comes his way. And if his track record is any indication, Bronny James is more than capable of rising to the occasion.