Bronny James put in a solid showing for the LA Lakers despite defeat to the LA Clippers in the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League.
This comes despite rumours that father LeBron James is subject to speculation over a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.
The elder James has been heavily linked with a move away from the Lakers with the Mavs a potential destination for the NBA’s all-time point scorer. Any move would only be possible if the Lakers were to buy out James’ current mega-money contract according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
If the 40-year-old were to depart, however, questions would be asked over his son’s, Bronny, future at the Lakers. The 20-year-old was drafted by the Lakers at the beginning of last season as their 55th overall pick and has seen playing time alternated between the Lakers and minor G league affiliate South Bay Lakers.
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NBA pundit Stephen A. Smith has questioned Bronny’s standing in the league, stating earlier in the year that he was only in the NBA ‘because of his dad’.
Smith did backtrack on his comments back in March after Bronny put in a career-high performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. “I might have been wrong. Are you listening, LeBron James?” Smith said.
The younger James has signed a four-year guaranteed contract with the Lakers, a deal that is completely separate from his father.
As such, Bronny will continue to ply his trade with the Lakers regardless of whether LeBron moves to the Mavs.
Bronny responds to rumours of father's potential Mavs trade
James responded to rumours of his father potentially swapping LA for Dallas, stating via the Athletic earlier this month: “One of my friends called me talking about where, what I was gonna do, 'cause they seen my dad, whatever.
“I didn't see it. [My friend] called me. I was like, 'Yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about'. I don't really pay attention to that stuff.”
And rumours of LeBron’s potential move away from the Lakers didn’t impact Bronny’s performance against the Clippers in the week.
While the Lakers were unable to build upon Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans in midweek, James still drew praise for his performance in the 67-58 loss, going some way to putting Smith’s ‘nepo baby’ suggestions to bed.
Bronny shines in loss to the Clippers
James scored 12 points in the first half against the Clippers and finished the game with 17 points to his name.
LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, has previously stated that the NBA icon ‘wants to compete for a championship’ next season, which may not be possible at the Lakers.
“He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all,” Paul told ESPN.
“We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him.”
Topics: Lebron James, NBA
Ben McAleer