For the first time in his NBA career, Bronny James is heading into a season without his father on the Lakers. He sees a chance to build something of his own.
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LeBron James left Los Angeles in free agency to sign with the 76ers. Bronny, who remains with the Lakers, said the two did not have a long conversation about the decision.
"We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're going to do," Bronny said at Lakers media day, via ESPN.
"He's got his own path, and I got my own," Bronny said. "He knows that I want to make a name for myself."
That has been the challenge since Bronny entered the league. Playing alongside LeBron gave the father and son a moment no other NBA family had experienced. It also meant Bronny's development was rarely discussed without his dad's name attached.
Now Bronny is focused on earning minutes behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He played in 42 games last season, plus eight playoff games, and has a guaranteed $2.3 million salary this year.
"You guys know me as Bronny. My real name is LeBron," he said. "It's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."
The two are scheduled to meet on opposite sides when the Lakers host the 76ers on Christmas Day. Bronny said he is happy for his father and excited to play against him.
That game will be a family first. The months before it are his chance to show the Lakers what he can do on his own.
