Bronny James made feelings clear on Lakers departure amid LeBron trade rumours

Following in a father’s footsteps is always far easier said than done but when your dad is one of the most recognised players in NBA history, it adds extra pressure on a young man’s shoulders.

The LA Lakers traded for Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, and many felt that was predominately to appease his father. LeBron is the record points scorer in NBA history and the Lakers are understandably keen to keep the legendary baller in LA.

The Lakers traded for Bronny last year and many felt that was simply to appease his father. NBA pundit Stephen A. Smith has previously questioned Bronny’s standing in the league, suggesting he was only in the NBA ‘because of his dad’.

Smith would later go on to backtrack on his comments, in March stating, “I might have been wrong, are you listening, LeBron James?”, after Bronny put in a fine showing against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bronny signed a four-year contract with the Lakers when he joined, a deal that is completely separate to his father LeBron as the young James looks to establish himself as his own man in basketball.

And as trade rumours surrounding LeBron continue to do the rounds, the 40-year-old previously linked with the Dallas Mavericks, while reports of a switch to the Warriors is possible when the legend’s contract with the Lakers expires next year, Bronny has previously insisted he is looking to forge his own path rather than follow in his father’s footsteps.

Stephen A Smith was previously critical of Bronny / Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Bronny doesn't want to just be remembered as LeBron's son

“I just want to have people know ‘my name is Bronny James’ and not just be identified as LeBron James’ son,” Bronny said in an interview with ESPN last year.

The 20-year-old insisted his dream is make a name for himself and that he never thought about playing with his dad, adding: “My dream has always been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and of course get to the NBA. I never thought about just playing with my dad but of course he’s brought it up a couple of times”

Given LeBron’s exploits, there have been understandable comparisons between the father and son duo, but Bronny was keen to play down links between the two Lakers pair.

“People just try to link me with all the greatness he has achieved. I haven’t done anything yet, so I feel like there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron,” Bronny rounded off the interview.

Even as rumours of LeBron’s potential Lakers exit do the rounds, Bronny is expected to remain in LA as he looks to leave his own legacy on the NBA.

Bronny James (Getty)

Magic Johnson issued G League ultimatum

And as Bronny looks to leave his mark on the game, Magic Johnson has revealed he once issued an ultimatum to the youngster if he wanted to live up to his dad.

During an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Late Night Show, Johnson spoke about Bronny ahead of his rookie year, suggesting he should play in the G League for a year to help his development.

“If I’m Bronny, I would tell my dad, ‘Just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop," Johnson said.

“He needs playing time. He doesn’t need to be sitting on the Laker bench and not playing. That’s not a knock against him - he’s just not ready."

Bronny did play in some Lakers games, but also made 11 appearances for the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 21.9 points in the G League.