Bronny James Given Reality Check on His Lakers Future amid LeBron Decision

Bronny James has been handed somewhat of a reality check on his Los Angeles Lakers and NBA future amid his father LeBron's latest decision.

Some basketball fans speculated that the NBA icon was set to announce his retirement when he teased the so-called "Second Decision" on social media. However, it turned out that the post was a promotion for a drinks brand and, LeBron will return for his 23rd NBA season.

The 40-year-old is expected to miss the entire NBA pre-season, with Lakers staff hoping that he will be ready for the opening night in less than two weeks. He is currently dealing with nerve irritation in his glute, and the team is cautious about rushing him back into action.

It puts the spotlight on to his son Bronny, who is entering his second year in the NBA. Bronny has faced criticism from some fans who believe he has benefitted from nepotism because of his famous father; something that re-surfaced after comments made during the Lakers' pre-season loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Bronny James and LeBron James. Image: Thearon W. Henderson / Stringer via Getty

The 21-year-old has played in both of the Lakers' pre-season games so far, suffering losses to the Phoenix Suns and most recently, the Golden State Warriors.

Against Golden State, he played 23 minutes and while he showed flashes of quality, fans were left underwhelmed by his performance.

He scored five points, including two baskets from six attempts and a three-pointer from three attempts. Bronny was also responsible for five turnovers and committed four fouls during his cameo appearance.

But there were still signs defensively, with one steal and one block.

His defensive abilities are viewed by many to be the strongest part of his game.

Bronny James. Image: Ronald Martinez / Staff via Getty

At six foot three, with a wing span of six foot seven a half, he had the profile required to be an effective guard. But the spotlight is now on Bronny, as he deals with a situation that isn't too far away if he does indeed want a long career in the NBA - playing with his father not by his side as Father Time eventually catches up with James Snr.

Last month, Bronny spoke about defensive focus of his game: "It’s definitely made me think about being more aggressive on that end of the floor, but I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor because there’s going to be guys that can score 15, 20 a game.

“I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now. To get myself on the floor, I’ve got to be a defensive menace. That’s my main focus, getting conditioned this year.

"It’s been shown that I know how to score the ball a little bit, I’m staying true to that, but also focusing on the defensive end.”

Bronny still has four more pre-season games to prove his worth before the regular season gets underway.

The Lakers will open their campaign against the Warriors on October 21.