EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Bronny James, known for steering clear of social media, found himself wrapped up in a conversation this week after a friend inquired about LeBron James’ opinions on the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason plans and how these might affect Bronny’s future with the team.
“I told him, ‘I have no clue what you’re talking about,’” Bronny shared with a smile on Wednesday following practice with the Lakers’ NBA Summer League team. “I don’t really focus on that stuff. There’s a lot of speculation out there that I don’t pay any attention to.”
Bronny, setting his sights on a productive summer, intends to concentrate on improvement while avoiding the swirl of rumors and hearsay surrounding the Lakers and his emerging NBA career.
LeBron James has opted into his substantial $52.6 million player option, securing his place with the Lakers for an unprecedented 23rd NBA season. However, his agent, Rich Paul, hinted ambiguously about LeBron’s aspirations to compete for a championship with the relatively young roster being built around Luka Doncic.
Interpreting these remarks, some NBA experts foresee a potential trade should the Lakers not rise to an elite status by fall. But Bronny insists he’s not looking that far down the road. The Lakers made a significant acquisition on Wednesday by signing Deandre Ayton as a free agent, addressing a key offseason requirement.
Last season made history with the first father-son duo, LeBron and Bronny, playing in the NBA. The 20-year-old Bronny, however, remains uncertain about the future.
“We don’t discuss it much,” Bronny explained. “But whenever such topics come up, he advises me not to stress over it and stay focused on what’s at hand. That’s what’s going to enhance my skills and keep me grounded. I feel it’s beneficial when he tells me to ignore that kind of noise.”
Returning for the NBA Summer League, after debuting a year ago, Bronny is prepared to face the intensity once more. The Lakers’ initial showdown is against top pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks, an eagerly anticipated match in Las Vegas.
“Last year was intense, producing from the start, and the nerves were real,” Bronny recalled. “This year, I intend to play more freely with clear objectives for myself and the team. Excitement trumps nerves this time.”
His current primary focus targets physical conditioning and diet. Bronny has slimmed down to 215 pounds, committed to sustaining energy over extensive playing periods.
Bronny is also prioritizing the mental aspect of the game, especially after facing a cardiac issue during a workout at USC two years ago.
“With time comes confidence,” Bronny noted. “It’s about sustaining longer periods on the court and challenging myself more than before. It’s really beneficial for me.”
Staying defensively proficient is another of Bronny’s targets, although he did showcase scoring prowess in last season’s G League and recorded a remarkable 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I can’t lose my defensive edge; that’s what will ensure my spot on the court,” Bronny emphasized. “There are others who can consistently score. Currently, that’s not my primary role, but to secure playing time, I must be relentless defensively, and that’s my main focus for the year.”
Unfortunately, Bronny will miss sharing the court with Adou Thiero in Las Vegas. Thiero, the Lakers’ second-round pick, is recuperating from a left knee injury sustained at Arkansas. While he sits out the Summer League, expectations hold that Thiero will be ready for the training camp.
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