Bronny James has spent his initial two seasons in the NBA sharing the spotlight with his father, LeBron James, in the Los Angeles Lakers' locker room. Recently, former NBA player Matt Barnes expressed his belief that LeBron's departure from the Lakers could actually be advantageous for Bronny's career.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Barnes discussed how LeBron's transition to the Philadelphia 76ers could allow Bronny to carve out his own path in the league. The former forward emphasized that the 21-year-old guard now has the opportunity to establish himself without the constant comparisons to his father, which have dominated discussions surrounding his entry into professional basketball.
LeBron ended his eight-year tenure with the Lakers this summer, officially joining the Philadelphia 76ers in July. As he prepares for his 24th NBA season, Bronny remains in Los Angeles, entering his third season with the Lakers after being drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Barnes acknowledged the ongoing debate regarding the extent to which LeBron's presence may have influenced Bronny's NBA opportunity. However, he pointed out that the current circumstances present a chance for Bronny to step out of his father's shadow and showcase his abilities independently. He stated, "This is an opportunity for Bronny to prove, 'I can do this without my dad.'"
During a recent open workout for boxer Ryan Garcia in Los Angeles, Barnes reflected on Bronny's development. He noted that while Bronny possesses significant talent, he might have benefited from an additional year of preparation before entering the league. Nonetheless, Bronny opted to join the NBA after just one season at USC.
Bronny's arrival in Los Angeles was historic, marking the first time a father and son played in the NBA simultaneously. This milestone was achieved when the Lakers drafted him in June 2024. On October 22, 2024, both LeBron and Bronny made history by checking into a game together, becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game. They further extended this legacy in April 2026 by appearing in the same NBA playoff game.
Despite the accolades, Bronny has been vocal about the pressure associated with his last name. When introduced by the Lakers, he expressed his desire to develop his own identity and acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his selection in the draft, which many attributed to his father's status in the league.
LeBron's decision to leave the Lakers was communicated on June 30, concluding an eight-season run that included a championship in 2020 and two seasons alongside Bronny. His move to Philadelphia became official on July 27, following a period of contemplation about retirement. LeBron described this transition as his “last decision” as he gears up for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Bronny remains under contract with the Lakers for the 2026-27 season, with his salary for the year guaranteed. The Lakers also hold a team option for the subsequent season, indicating their commitment to his development.
Throughout his early career, Bronny has made efforts to distance his professional journey from his father's legacy. During the Lakers' Summer League preparations in July 2025, he revealed that he tries to remain focused on his own path, disregarding speculation about LeBron's future. As a developing player, Bronny has participated in 69 regular-season games over his first two seasons, averaging 2.7 points in 8.1 minutes per game. His performance showed improvement in his second season, with his scoring average increasing from 2.3 to 2.9 points and his field-goal percentage rising from 31.3% to 40.9%.
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