Bronny James wants his next chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers to show what he can become on his own.
Speaking at Monday’s Media Day, James addressed his father LeBron’s departure for the Philadelphia 76ers and explained that developing his own career remains his priority. The two spent his first two NBA seasons together, but Bronny is now preparing to compete for a role without his dad sharing the locker room.
Bronny said his father understands that goal.
“He’s got his own path, and I got my own,” James said. “He knows that I want to make a name for myself, and I want to continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that. So, he decided to do that.”
Bronny explained that he and LeBron did not have a lengthy conversation about the move. He described their communication about business and personal feelings as brief, while making clear that he is looking forward to the season ahead.
In a separate interview with Spectrum SportsNet, Bronny also expressed curiosity about how his interactions with the staff and his teammates might change with his father on another team. That adds a personal adjustment to the basketball challenge: This season will give him a different experience of life inside the organization.
"I'm excited for the experience, to experience something different. You know, him (LeBron) not being here. To see how the staff treats me without him being there, and all my teammates and stuff like that. Excited for it and excited for the season."
Bronny James talks at the desk… pic.twitter.com/TlUT8VT9HD
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 28, 2026
Bronny James has a clear task in the Lakers’ backcourt
The Lakers have already faced questions about whether Bronny’s future had to follow his father’s. In July, Lakers Daily covered that the organization valued Bronny independently and expected him to compete for backcourt minutes.
Earning those minutes consistently is the next step. James appeared in 42 regular-season games last season, averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in 8.9 minutes per game. He shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range and also appeared in eight playoff games.
The playing time provides useful perspective on his ambition. Bronny has NBA experience to build on, but his average workload still reflects a limited role. Becoming a dependable option requires more than a promising stretch or an encouraging shooting percentage.
Asked about becoming a rotation player, James emphasized consistency.
“Showing up every day, playing my game and being relentless on both sides of the floor,” James said.
Bronny wants to develop his secondary ball-handling and defense against opposing ballhandlers. James pointed to his work in the Houston playoff series as something he could carry forward, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for teammates and making opposing offenses uncomfortable.
“I think I did play my role pretty well in the Houston series, and that’s something I can grow off of,” Bronny said. “Showing up every day and playing my game and being relentless both sides of the floor and making sure I’m getting my teammates involved and disrupting on the defensive end of the floor.”
Those priorities give his push for independence a practical definition. He does not have to duplicate LeBron’s responsibilities to become useful.
For a guard trying to earn time around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, defending his assignment and keeping the offense moving can make a stronger case than trying to dominate possessions.
Bronny is looking forward to facing LeBron
His father’s departure also creates a new kind of family meeting. Philadelphia visits Los Angeles on Dec. 25, and Bronny said he is happy for LeBron and eager to face him.
“I’m excited to play against him on Christmas,” James said.
That matchup offers an obvious milestone, but Bronny’s more immediate opportunity comes in camp. His own description of the job is specific: Show up consistently, help teammates and compete on defense.
How well he does those things will matter more to his place in the rotation than the change in his father’s jersey.
