The Lakers recently finalized Luka Doncic’s extension, securing the star player’s presence on the team for the next three years and inspiring hope for future championships. However, the announcement was overshadowed by the noticeable absence of LeBron James and his son Bronny at the press conference, which fueled speculation about their commitment to the Lakers’ direction and stirred debate among fans and analysts.
Addressing Criticism Over the Father-Son Duo’s Absence
LeBron James has faced scrutiny for his recent social media posts hinting at uncertainty about his future with the Lakers, despite opting into a $52 million player option for the season. Critics quickly seized on LeBron and Bronny’s absence from the Luka event, suggesting they were disengaged from the team’s progress. Yet, the simplest explanation for their no-show appears to be that they were on vacation, supported by footage showing LeBron playing golf during that timeframe.
Brandon Jennings Rallies in Support of Bronny Against Dan Patrick’s Criticism
Sports commentator Dan Patrick criticized Bronny for not attending the signing event, arguing that, as a Lakers roster hopeful for the post-LeBron era, Bronny needed to publicly demonstrate support for Doncic. On Gil’s Arena, former Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings countered Patrick’s remarks, defending Bronny’s absence and challenging the claim that Bronny is merely
“the last person on the roster.”
“I’mma be honest, since I’m the last person on the team, my ass should just be in the gym.”
—Brandon Jennings, Former Milwaukee Bucks Guard
“If I’m the last person on the team, I should be celebrating nothing! My a** should be in the gym, my a** should be around my father, I should be doing anything mentally, and everything that can help me get ready for next year.”
—Brandon Jennings, Former Milwaukee Bucks Guard
Jennings’ commentary was laced with sarcasm but made clear that he disagrees with Patrick’s criticism, emphasizing Bronny’s commitment to preparation and growth despite the challenges ahead.
Bronny’s Growing Pressure and Defensive Focus for the Upcoming Season
Bronny recognizes the importance of his sophomore NBA season, especially since it could coincide with LeBron’s final year in professional basketball. This adds pressure to prove his value to the Lakers roster on merit rather than familial ties. Bronny has openly addressed the limitations his height imposes on his offensive game, stressing that excelling on defense will be crucial to earning playing time and validating his spot on the team.
In his pre-draft interviews and Summer League press conferences, Bronny referenced NBA defensive specialist Davion Mitchell as a role model for his approach. He told Dan Woike,
“I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor because there’s gonna be guys that can go out and score 15-20 a game.”
—Bronny James, Lakers Player
“I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now, but to get myself on the floor, I have to be a defensive menace, and that’s my main focus. It’s been shown that I know how to score the ball a little bit, so I stand true to that, but also focus on the defensive end.”
—Bronny James, Lakers Player
His defensive efforts were visible during Summer League play, confirming that Bronny is dedicating himself to becoming a significant defensive contributor, which is likely his best path to securing a meaningful role with the Lakers in the upcoming NBA season.
Implications for the Lakers’ Future and Bronny’s Role
The extension of Luka Doncic sets the stage for the Lakers to build a competitive team around their young core, including Bronny, who faces the dual challenge of surviving in the NBA while proving his worth beyond his father’s legacy. As the team looks ahead, Bronny’s defensive development and mental toughness will be examined closely, especially during and after LeBron James’ anticipated retirement. Meanwhile, debates about the level of visible support from LeBron and Bronny for new teammates may persist but appear to be influenced by personal circumstances rather than disengagement.
The evolving dynamics within the Lakers organization highlight the high stakes and scrutiny both LeBron and Bronny contend with as they navigate their intertwined careers in a franchise hungry for success.